Turmoil within the coalition of
Brothers of Italy (FdI) leader and likely future premier Giorgia
Meloni has risen further after alliance partner and Forza Italia
(FI) leader Silvio Berlusconi told his party's lawmakers on
Tuesday that he has reconnected with Russian President Vladimir
Putin.
In a video recording, Berlusconi can be heard saying he had
"re-established relations with Putin," exchanging gifts and
"sweet" letters with the Russian leader.
The ex-premier and media billionaire also said Putin had ranked
him as one of his five best friends.
Berlusconi, who had recently suggested Putin had in some way
been pushed into invading Ukraine, has been at odds with Meloni
over the formation of the new government team.
The friction peaked last week when FI failed to back FdI bigwig
Ignazio La Russa in the Upper House vote that saw him elected
the new Senate Speaker last week.
On Tuesday Berlusconi suggested a deal on the new cabinet had
not been finalized during peace talks with Meloni on Monday,
saying he was insisting on former Senate Speaker Elisabetta
Casellati becoming justice minister, while the FdI leader wants
former prosecutor and FdI MP Carlo Nordio to take the job.
FdI Lower House whip Francesco Lollobrigida said Wednesday the
incoming government would continue to support Ukraine regardless
of Berlusconi's comments.
"We remain with the Ukraine people and the defence of democracy
in that national and also proudly within the Western axis, as
the centre right said in its election campaign," Lollobrigida
said.
"Nothing has happened to change that position.
"When it comes to what other people say, you'll have to ask
those other people".
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