Berlusconi loses temper on TV
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has stormed out of a television interview after being asked some awkward questions about his business affairs and the war in Iraq.
Mr Berlusconi was taking part in a 30-minute interview on Italian state channel Rai Tre on Sunday (12 March) but left the set after 20 minutes.
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According to the BBC, the journalist asked Mr Berlussconi why he was only known on the international scene for his support of US President George W Bush in Iraq and for possible conflicts of commercial and political interest.
He responded by accusing the journalist, Lucia Annunziata of bias, prejudice and being "on the left."
Reacting to the comments, Ms Annunziata said, "this is my show, I'll decide the questions."
Shortly afterwards he stormed out of the interview. His performance comes just weeks before Italy’s general elections in April and a few days before his first TV debate with arch rival Romano Prodi.
The Italian elections will be held on April 9 and 10 with the campaign so far proving a difficult one for Mr Berlusconi.
Recent polls have given Mr Prodi's centre-left coalition a small edge over the coalition led by Mr Berlusconi. Polls indicate that there are also a large number of undecided voters.
Mr Berlusconi may have another looming problem with media reports saying
that a judge has been asked to prosecute the prime minister and British lawyer David Mills on corruption charges.
It is alleged that the lawyer was paid by Mr Berlusconi for giving helpful testimony in two trials.