IThis was probably Silvio Berlusconi’s last invitation to the Italian people for a political coffee tour. At the age of 85, he once again dreamed of becoming a captain on this journey. Like when he was prime minister. For a total of nine years, first from 1994 to 1995 and then, with a break of two years, from 2001 to 2011. benedict mussolini, as long as Berlusconi was in power in Italy.

Climbing the Quirinal, the highest of Rome’s seven hills and politically the home of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, should have crowned his phenomenal career. But nothing will happen to it. Berlusconi withdrew his candidacy for the state’s highest office on Saturday, two days before the start of the election of a new president by both houses of parliament. “I have decided to take a different path towards national responsibility and I ask that you refrain from proposing my name as President of the Republic,” he said. And further: “Italy needs unity today. I will serve my country differently.”