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 29 August 2008 07:21 BST

Silvio Berlusconi wins Italian general election

Tuesday, 15 Apr 2008 08:27
Silvio Berlusconi is vying for a third term in office
Former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and his centre-right coalition have won Italy's general election after Walter Veltroni conceded defeat.

Mr Veltroni, speaking on Italian television, said he had called Mr Berlusconi to congratulate him on his victory.

The new prime minister appears to have won a small majority in the Senate, whose loss of control cost his predecessor Romano Prodi power, and has taken the largest party in the lower house.

The Conservative leader and Mr Veltroni, the former mayor of Rome, had been contesting the general election after Romano Prodi's coalition government collapsed earlier this year.

With the economy seen as a key factor for Italians both men had pledged to cut taxes and reduce bureaucracy.

Over 40 million people are believed to have cast their votes on Sunday and today, selecting from 158 different parties contesting both regional and national elections.

During his campaign, Mr Veltroni, 52, had urged Italian voters to "turn the page" on the older generation symbolised by the 71-year-old Berlusconi.

But Mr Berlusconi has remained a potent power in opposition and will now reap the benefits of maintaining prominence with another spell in power.

"We have difficult months ahead that will require great strength," he said in response to his victory, adding he intended to serve the full five-year term.

The official results are not due until later today.

Mr Berlusconi, Italy's richest man, was previously Italy's prime minister from 1994 to 1995 and again from 2001 to 2006.End of story


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