Silvio Berlusconi has shocked Italy by declaring he would quit as prime minister to become president if the constitution was rewritten to make it a more powerful, French-style post.

The media magnate said he would run for president if the largely ceremonial role as father of the nation was bolstered with the executive power to dissolve parliament and form governments.

Italy's last such figure was Benito Mussolini, but Mr Berlusconi said a new system was needed to end the chronic political instability which had produced revolving-door governments.

more: [the guardian]
via tomato republic