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Italian president summons centre-left leader Bersani Italy's Pier Luigi Bersani asked to form government
(about 1 hour later)
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has summoned centre-left head Pier Luigi Bersani, suggesting he may ask him to form a government. Italy's centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani has been asked by the president to try to form a new government, following inconclusive elections.
Mr Bersani's Democratic Party (PD) won control of the lower house of parliament in elections last month, but fell short of a majority in the Senate. Mr Bersani's Democratic Party (PD) won control of the lower house of parliament in February's poll, but fell short of a majority in the Senate.
With no obvious coalition in sight, Mr Napolitano has been holding talks this week to try to break the deadlock. Mr Bersani has ruled out a coalition with Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition, which finished second.
If no solution is found, Italy could face fresh elections. If no solution is found, the country could face fresh elections.
Italian media reported that Mr Napolitano would ask Mr Bersani to attempt to form a government, though it remains unclear how the centre-left would achieve a majority in the Senate. 'Finding balance'
President Giorgio Napolitano announced that he had asked Mr Bersani to form the new government during their meeting at the presidential palace in Rome on Friday.
Mr Napolitano said that Mr Bersani was best positioned to be given the task under "the most difficult circumstances".
"He will refer back to me as soon as possible," added the president, who earlier this week held two days of consultations with political leaders.
Mr Bersani said he accepted the task and would try to "find balance" between changes sought by Italian voters and reforms needed to lead Italy out of the economic crisis.
However, it remains unclear how the centre-left would achieve a majority in the Senate.
Beppe Grillo, whose Five Star Movement won 25% of the vote, has insisted he will not support the PD or any established political party.Beppe Grillo, whose Five Star Movement won 25% of the vote, has insisted he will not support the PD or any established political party.
Mr Bersani has so far said he will not enter a coalition with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right alliance.
Mr Bersani, 69, is a former Communist who has more recently earned a reputation as an economic reformer.Mr Bersani, 69, is a former Communist who has more recently earned a reputation as an economic reformer.
But he has come under increasing pressure within his own party after failing to convert a poll lead into a clear election victory.But he has come under increasing pressure within his own party after failing to convert a poll lead into a clear election victory.
The political uncertainty has increased pressure on Italy's stagnant economy, as well as feeding into concerns about the stability of the eurozone.The political uncertainty has increased pressure on Italy's stagnant economy, as well as feeding into concerns about the stability of the eurozone.