Published Thursday May 8, 2008
Italy: New Berlusconi government sworn inBy FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1000&u_sid=10329124

ROME (AP) - Premier Silvio Berlusconi was sworn in as premier Thursday, heading up an Italian government for the third time after his conservatives' swept elections last month.

The 71-year-old media magnate and his Cabinet ministers read the oath of office in the ornate presidential Quirinal Palace. Berlusconi signed the oath in front of Italy's head of state, President Giorgio Napolitano.

"I pledge to be loyal to the Republic, to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws, and to exercise my duties in the exclusive interest of the nation," said the billionaire businessman, who has been dogged by conflict-of-interest criticism since he burst onto Italy's political scene 15 years ago.

Berlusconi's resounding victory in April 13-14 elections gave him a comfortable majority in both the Senate and lower Chamber of Deputies, where his government - Italy's 62nd since the end of World War II - faces votes of confidence.

The Chamber vote is expected to be held on May 14, and the Senate vote later that week.

Several of the key ministries, including those for foreign affairs, the economy and interior, which includes police and intelligence matters, are held by political allies who served in Berlusconi's earlier governments.

Among the 21 ministers are four women, none in a major post.

The Northern League, an anti-immigrant party and key Berlusconi ally, received several posts, including the Interior Ministry.

Analysts said overall, the government makeup reflected Berlusconi's strong grip on his coalition. Former European Union commissioner Franco Frattini was named foreign minister and Giulio Tremonti was given the Finance Ministry portfolio.

Firebrand maverick Northern League leader Umberto Bossi, whose anti-immigrant, pro-federalism party helped propel Berlusconi back into office, is another veteran of Berlusconi governments. He is serving as reforms minister.

The Justice Ministry, another sensitive post given Berlusconi's legal woes and frequent attacks on Italian magistrates, went to another close aide, Angelino Alfano, a top party official in Sicily.

"I think what we have is a clear indication that Berlusconi is still in charge," said analyst Franco Pavoncello of Rome's John Cabot University. "It is a sign of Berlusconi's power."

Among the first problems Berlusconi's government must grapple with is the survival of Italy's flagship airline, Alitalia.

Prodi beamed as he shook Berlusconi's hand and patted him on the back, while the new premier looked tense during the handover of a small bell that the head of government rings at the start of Cabinet meetings.

Prodi, a former European Commission chief, is the only politician to have defeated Berlusconi - twice - in elections to decide the premiership.

Squabbling and defections among center-left coalition allies ended both of Prodi's premierships. Berlusconi defeated Walter Veltroni, a former Communist who had served as Rome's mayor, in last month's elections.

Berlusconi led his new government in a brief, first Cabinet meeting Thursday. He had promised during his campaign to hold his first main Cabinet meeting in Naples to signal that government intends to quickly tackle that city's smelly, monthslong garbage pileup.

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Associated Press writer Alessandra Rizzo contributed to this report from Rome.