By Martin Banks - 2nd November 2011
There is increasing pressure on him to resign
Vittorio Prodi
Senior Italian deputy Vittorio Prodi has called on Silvio Berlusconi to stand down as Italy's prime minister.
Prodi told this website, however, that the prospects of this happening appeared to be "slim."
"The problem is that he is desperate to cling to power," said Prodi, who is the brother of former commission president Romano Prodi.
Prodi, an S&D member, believes that despite facing renewed calls to quit, it is still possible Berlusconi will remain in power until the next Italian elections in 2013.
He said, "There is increasing pressure on him to resign. It would help if he did because it would go some way to restoring confidence in Italy's ability to tackle its current economic difficulties."
Prodi, an MEP since 2004, believes that, contrary to what many believe, there is "no shortage" of capable contenders who are ready to take over as prime minister.
He named former EU commissioner Mario Monti as one possible contender, saying, "He is very experienced and very able."
He said, "Age should not come into it. What Italy currently needs is someone who is determined and capable of forming an effective government."
Prodi's comments come as the chairman of Ferrari - one of Italy's most prominent businessmen – also urged Berlusconi to resign so that the country can deal with its debt crisis.
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said Italy had reached "the point of no return".
He called for a "government of national salvation", in an open letter to the Italian daily La Repubblica.
Berlusconi is under pressure to speed up austerity measures amid feeble growth and a huge public debt.
He used to enjoy strong support among Italian business leaders but a growing number have begun calling for his resignation.
His image has been tarnished by sex scandals and a string of court cases
