Berlusconi cabinet to feature ex-model

The Australian ^ | April 16, 2008 | Richard Owen

[kingattax]

IN one of his first moves since sweeping back to power in Italy, Silvio Berlusconi is likely to unveil a cabinet featuring four women, including a former model. mara carfagna

Mara Carfagna gives the victory sign after the former Miss Italy contestant was elected to parliament. Picture: AP

Stefania Prestigiacomo, of his Forza Italia party, is thought to be in line to become Minister for European Affairs while Mara Carfagna, a former model, television presenter and Miss Italy contestant, has been mooted as a possible Minister for the Family.

Other candidates are Giulia Bongiorno, a member of former prime minister Giulio Andreotti's defence team in several Mafia-related trials, who may become Justice Minister, and Rosi Mauro of the Northern League, as Minister for Welfare.

In his first post-election press conference, Mr Berlusconi appeared relaxed and smiling, joking that Italians voted for him "because I am young", but he conceded: "The months and years ahead will be difficult".

The 71-year-old media magnate faces a host of challenges from rescuing Alitalia to clearing up the mountains of uncollected rubbish in Naples and fulfilling an election promise of cracking down on illegal immigrants.

After forming a government - probably early next month - he is expected to cut taxes, sell public assets to reduce the deficit and free up labour markets.

He said he would eliminate ICI, an Italian property tax, at a cost of euros 2billion, and would honour his promise to hold his first Cabinet meeting in Naples.

"I've already found an office, and I'll stay there three days a week until I'm certain I've created the foundations for a permanent solution," he told a radio station.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Hey, they had Cicciolina in their Parliament, so why not?

[fieldmarshaldj]

Nice undercarriage.

[Westlander]

And decent mudflaps too.