New Italian prime minister officially takes office

Italian economist and Italy’s former EU commissioner, Mario Monti was officially introduced as Italian prime minister by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on Sunday. President Napolitano formally chose Monti after a day of meetings with political leaders across the spectrum, almost all of whom had pledged their support for a government of technocrats to guide Italy’s post-Berlusconi future. Monti told reporters in Rome that he would get to work quickly to try to form a government. On Monday, Mr. Monti is expected to present a cabinet of nonpoliticians and introduce his program before Parliament, where a majority must vote confidence in his government. “Italy must heal its finances and resume growth because today’s leaders owe it to future generations,” the newly-appointed Italian prime minister told reporters. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi addressed the nation with a video message on Sunday evening, declaring his “love and passion” for Italy and his bitterness at having been jeered after he tendered his resignation, an act he said had been one of “generosity” toward the country.