Link to another article for the 1000 other reasons Berlusconi should have considered stepping down (out of control comments), besides the economy for which perhaps he didn’t have anything to do and could not change anyway: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15642201
Link to article describing the possible successors to Berlusconi’s post as Prime Minister of Italy. Note* 3/4 are Berlusconi-faithful. For a country with plenty of political parties to choose from (dozens!) something smells in the state of denmark *ehem* Italy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15635512