One of Mr Berlusconi's closest confidantes and most loyal supporters said he thought it was very likely that the three-times prime minister would contest the next election. "There's a big groundswell of support behind him becoming a candidate," said Angelino Alfano, whom Mr Berlusconi anointed as his successor before having to step down late last year. "I believe that he will decide to offer himself for re-election," said Mr Alfano, a Sicilian who is chairman of the PDL party. "Many people are asking him to do it, including me." The billionaire businessman believes he has a good chance of winning office, despite all ... (full story)