New PM Berlusconi next faces confidence votes

ROME, Italy (AP) -- Italy's Premier Silvio Berlusconi was sworn in Thursday to head his third government.

The 71-year-old media magnate, whose conservatives swept elections last month, took the oath of office with his Cabinet ministers in the ornate presidential Quirinal Palace.

Berlusconi signed the oath in front of Italy's head of state, President Giorgio Napolitano.

"I pledge to be loyal to the Republic, to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws, and to exercise my duties in the exclusive interest of the nation," said the billionaire businessman, who has been dogged by conflict-of-interest criticism since he burst onto Italy's political scene 15 years ago.

Berlusconi's resounding victory in April 13-14 elections gave him a comfortable majority in both the Senate and lower Chamber of Deputies, where his government -- Italy's 62nd since the end of World War II -- faces mandatory confidence votes.

The Chamber vote is expected on May 14 and the Senate vote later that week.

Several of the key ministries, including those for foreign affairs, the economy and interior, which includes police and intelligence matters, are held by political allies who served in Berlusconi's earlier governments.

Among the 21 ministers are four women, none in a major post.

The Northern League, a key Berlusconi ally, received several posts including the Interior Ministry.

Analysts said the government makeup overall reflected Berlusconi's strong grip on his coalition.

Former European Union commissioner Franco Frattini was named foreign minister, and Giulio Tremonti was given the Finance Ministry portfolio.

Firebrand Northern League leader Umberto Bossi, whose anti-immigrant, pro-federalism party helped propel Berlusconi back into office, is another veteran of Berlusconi governments. He is serving as reforms minister.

The Justice Ministry, another sensitive post given Berlusconi's legal woes and frequent attacks on Italian magistrates, went to another close aide, Angelino Alfano, a top party official in Sicily.

"I think what we have is a clear indication that Berlusconi is still in charge," said analyst Franco Pavoncello of Rome's John Cabot University. "It is a sign of Berlusconi's power."

Among the first problems Berlusconi's government must grapple with is the survival of Italy's flagship airline Alitalia.

The Italian news agency ANSA quoted Sen. Luigi Zanda as saying that the Senate will dedicate an entire session later this month to discussion about a loan, issued in the last days of Romano Prodi's center-left government, aimed at keeping the ailing carrier alive.

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