Berlusconi won't seek fourth term

on 24/10/2012 18:44:58

Silvio Berlusconi has said he will not run for a fourth term as Italy's prime minister in spring elections.

Until now the three-times former premier has been coy about his intentions, but today he posted a statement on his movement's website under the headline: "I won't run for premier."

He indicated, however, that he will not entirely step aside from politics.

Employing a football metaphor, the 76-year-old billionaire businessman, who also owns AC Milan, said: "I will remain alongside younger players who need to play and score goals", noting: "I still have good muscles and a bit of a head."

He recommended that his People of Liberty movement holds primaries on December 16 to decide a candidate for premier.

Mr Berlusconi's personal legacy has been tarnished by sex and corruption scandals.