Berlusconi confirms bid to become Italian premier again

Italy’s disgraced former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has confirmed his intention to become the country’s leader for a fifth time. His resigned last year over sex abuse allegations as the country was on the brink of a massive debt crisis. Now after several months during which he has constantly changed his mind, Berlusconi says he has “come back in desperation out of a “sense of responsibility.” Speaking to reporters outside AC Milan’s practice ground, he also added his People of Liberty party would pass legislation proposed by Mario Monti’s government, starting with the budget law. It comes just two days after his PDL party withdrew support for the government, bringing the country close to a snap election, but Monti says he is unconcerned by the latest development. “No, I think it’s just a manageable situation in the usual democratic fight in a country,” he told reporters. Monti, who is a life-appointed Senator, has also said he won’t stand in next year’s vote. But he is willing to step in afterwards if the result is not clear.