EC rejection gives Berlusconi a headache

Opposition to his candidate for a key EC post left Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi with a tough decision today: Whether to stand by his choice or give in to protests over the conservative Catholic’s positions on gays and the family.

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini insisted that Rocco Buttiglione remains “Italy’s candidate” but that Berlusconi ”will talk to the government” to resolve the impasse.