WRAP Berlusconi accepting victory and earlier Rutelli conceding

Описание: (14 May 2001)

1. Wide shot exterior of Forza Italia club also supporting Rome mayoral candidate Antonio Tajani
2. Various of Berlusconi supporters watching TV
4. Close up woman
5. Silvio Berlusconi on screen reading out his "Contract with Italians"
6. SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Silvio Berlusconi
"A heartfelt thank you to all the Italians that gave us their votes and trust. You have asked for a government that works and that makes the state work for the people. You asked for a government that lasts a full five years and you did it with a clear indication of change."
7. Supporters applauding
8. SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Silvio Berlusconi
"There is a lot of work to do in the next months and the next five years. So I will talk less and work more."
9. Various of supporters watching TV
10. Supporters applauding
11. Set up Francesco Storace
12. SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Francesco Storace, President of Lazio region (centre-right): "After seven years of suffering where the Left have messed up in every way. The Italian population have reacted to this arrogance and now it's our turn and it makes me extremely happy."
14. Piazza Venezia in Rome
15. Francesco Rutelli, opponent to Berlusconi enters Hotel Excelsior in Rome to deliver his defeat speech
16. Francesco Rutelli in hotel lobby greeting friends with hugs
17. Journalists
18. SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Francesco Rutelli
"The House of liberty has acquired a majority of votes in the Chamber and the Senate of the republic. In the name of the Olive Party, we accept this result that consists of a legitimate electoral victory.''
19. Journalists
20. SOUNDBITE: (English) Francesco Rutelli
"I think that what you saw in the Italian elections is a majority of Italians voting for parties and coalitions that denounced the conflict of interests. That is very important. And I think it will be a real priority for our country in the very next weeks."
21. Rutelli at conference table
22. Various of newspaper headlines

STORYLINE:

Silvio Berlusconi chose his own T-V channel to make his first statement after his conservative coalition won Italy's parliamentary election in a closely contested campaign that pitted the media mogul against the popular former mayor of Rome, who conceded defeat earlier on Monday.

Berlusconi fans gathered in various party clubs to listen to Italy's future prime minister as he read out a statement thanking voters for their support.

He also read out his so-called "Contract with Italians", in which he vowed to quit if he fails to fulfil four of his five primary objectives within five years in office.

Berlusconi, a billionaire media tycoon who portrays himself as a model of financial success, has promised Italians deep tax cuts, higher pensions and 1.5 (m) million new jobs, although he has been vague about the details.

Official returns showed Berlusconi's coalition had a majority in the Senate and was headed to a similar victory in Italy's lower house, leaving the billionaire entrepreneur poised to again become premier of Italy.

According to nearly complete Interior Ministry results, Berlusconi's coalition captured at least 163 seats in the Senate - the minimum for a majority - and former Rome Mayor Francesco Rutelli's centre-left forces 106.

Another 83 seats will be apportioned after all the returns are in, making it likely Berlusconi will enjoy a sizeable majority in the upper chamber.

Earlier, Berlusconi's opponent Francesco Rutelli, a former Rome mayor who led a centre-left ticket, conceded defeat more than 12 hours after the final vote was cast.


Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...