Silvio Berlusconi has returned to the political scene after a tax fraud conviction, striking a deal with the head of the largest centre-left party on electoral reform that could help stabilise Italy, but would leave smaller parties out in the cold.
Centre-right ministers in Italy's fragile coalition government resigned Saturday, throwing the country into a fresh political crisis after Prime Minister Enrico Letta issued what they called an "unacceptable" ultimatum.
The verdict in a trial against three of Silvio Berlusconi's associates for allegedly procuring prostitutes for the former Italian premier -- including the then underage Ruby -- is expected later Friday.
Italy's Silvio Berlusconi on Saturday called for either a strong new government or a fresh round of votes, while centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani rapped his political rivals for grandstanding during a deadlock that followed inconclusive elections.
Italy's centre-left led by Pier Luigi Bersani was poised to win the general election, according to exit polls on Monday, with a large lead over Silvio Berlusconi's party.
Wednesday night on "The Colbert Report," host Stephen Colbert discussed the U.K.'s horse meat scandal and how, for once, the tainted meat they're trying to put in you in Europe isn't attached to Silvio Berlusconi.
