Berlusconi proposes presidential system for Italy
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 72, has informally proposed the introduction in Italy of a presidential system modelled after that of the United States or France, Italian media reported Sunday, dpa reported.
Italy would be better governed by a strong president "and Italy is ready for a head of state elected directly by the people," Berlusconi was quoted as saying by the Turin daily La Stampa, which added that the current prime minister sees himself in the future role.
Under Italy's present parliamentary system, the president is elected every seven years by an electoral college system.
Billionaire media mogul Berlusconi has mentioned several times wanting to succeed current President Giorgio Napolitano after the end of the legislative period in 2013.
