ITALY: European Commission president Mr Romano Prodi has assumed the mantle of Italy's centre-left opposition in the hope of ousting Prime Minister Mr Silvio Berlusconi in the next national elections in 2006 or before.
Mr Prodi, who said he would serve out his term in the commission until it expires this October, was hailed at a weekend rally as nothing less than a messiah who the opposition hopes will lead them out of the political wilderness.
With his face projected on a huge screen at a Saturday convention where four centre-left parties sealed a unity pact for the June 13th European elections, Mr Prodi attacked the Berlusconi government without naming it.
He praised the ideals of the centre-left and criticised the government's handling of the economy, with growth stalled and prices rising since the introduction of the euro.
"June 13th is only one step on the road for Italy in Europe. After that another finish line awaits us and there will be more of us then," he said in a clear reference to the national polls.
The next national elections are scheduled for spring of 2006 but can be held earlier if the Berlusconi government collapses.
It was Mr Prodi, a former prime minister and the only person to beat Mr Berlusconi in national elections, who convinced the centre-left to unite in the European elections.
A poll in the centre-left Espresso magazine last month said 48.8 per cent would vote for Mr Prodi if he were standing in European elections, against 32.2 per cent for Mr Berlusconi.
But the once and future leader of the centre-left said he would not be a candidate for the June elections because he wanted to honour his commitment to Europe "to the end".
"I can't enter this house until November 1st, but I already feel it is my house," he said of the opposition alliance.