European Parliament head warns voters away from Berlusconi

The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has warned Italians not to vote for controversial billionaire businessman Silvio Berlusconi.

In 2003, Berlusconi provoked an uproar in his parliament when he invited Mr Schulz to appear in a film as a Nazi camp guard.

Speaking to the German Bild newspaper, Schulz said Berlusconi had already sent Italy into a tailspin, with irresponsible government action.

And he warned that the "confidence" Italy has gained through outgoing Premier Mario Monti should not be gambled away.