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Berlusconi on Course for Comeback

Rich, charismatic ousted PM will win new term, polls say

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 11, 2008 7:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Silvio Berlusconi is marching toward a third term as prime minister of Italy, according to polls ahead of parliamentary elections Sunday. The Croesus-rich media magnate has used his business credentials to convince Italians that he's got the solutions to unemployment, declining economic competitiveness and stagnant growth.

The right-tilting and corruption-plagued Berlusconi government lost its majority in 2006, but the candidate's charisma and cash could vault him back into office. "I call it the Zorro syndrome," one columnist told the Christian Science Monitor. "Every 10 years or so, Italians need someone to rescue them." Although Berlusconi has said that he is "100% certain" of victory, a last-minute surprise is still possible: A third of the electorate is still undecided.

People of Freedom party leader Silvio Berlusconi, left, flanked by party member Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of late dictator Benito Mussolini, waves to his supporters at the end of a campaign rally, in Rome, Thursday, April 10, 2008, in view of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 13-14.
People of Freedom party leader Silvio Berlusconi, left, flanked by party member Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of late dictator Benito Mussolini, waves to his supporters at the end of a campaign...   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi, left, puts out his hand for RAI national television network talk show Porta a Porta (door to door) host Bruno Vespa to smell it, saying it has the scent of sainthood because of what he believes he's had to go through during the election campaign.
Conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi, left, puts out his hand for RAI national television network talk show "Porta a Porta (door to door) host Bruno Vespa to smell it, saying it has "the scent of sainthood"...   (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)
Silvio Berlusconi arrives to attend the Market leaders and scenarios for the 21st century Confcommercio economic forum in Cernobbio, Italy, in this March 15, 2008 file photo.
Silvio Berlusconi arrives to attend the "Market leaders and scenarios for the 21st century" Confcommercio economic forum in Cernobbio, Italy, in this March 15, 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, file)
People of Freedom party leader Silvio Berlusconi talks to his supporters at the end of a campaign rally, in Rome, Thursday, April 10, 2008, for the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 13-14.
People of Freedom party leader Silvio Berlusconi talks to his supporters at the end of a campaign rally, in Rome, Thursday, April 10, 2008, for the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 13-14.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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