Berlusconi ‘fired up’ for Italian presidency bid – but faces obstacles

Controversial former prime minister's divisive personality could make it hard to muster broad support

Undeterred by health woes, sex scandals and advanced age, the former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is doggedly pursuing a promise he once made to his mother: that one day he would become president.

Parliament will choose a new head of state early next year and the 85-year-old is the first to put himself forward for a race that could transform the Italian political landscape but has no official candidates.