Brussels, 15/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - If in the north of Europe political parties avoided major difficulties in forming lists, the situation in the south and east is very different and the names and regroupings are being circulated without any apparent clarity for the time being. This is the situation in France, Spain and Greece where the parties will be facing other election results. This is also the case in Italy where setting up the lists appears terribly complicated. In Italy there will also be regional elections in Sardinia at the same time as the European election on 12-13 June, local election in 4193 councils (232 of which have more than 15,000 inhabitants and some elections in many other areas.
What is certain is the candidacy of the Head of government Silvio Berlusconi, who intends heading the list for Forza Italia in all the regions. Others will be doing likewise. Former judge and outgoing deputy Antonio Di Pietro (Liberal group) and Achille Ochetto (Democratici di Sinistra) who was an MEP in 1989-1999. Together they are expected to lead the centre left in five electoral contests. Expected on these lists are university lecturer Francesco Pardi, journaliste Giulietto Chiesa, senator Antonio Falomi (DS), senator Tana de Zulueta (DS) who also works for "The Economist", writer Elio Veltri, writer Gianfranco Maschia, police officer Ernesto Pallotta and Diego Novelli, former mayor of Turin (and former MEP). Deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini will head the list of Alleanza Nazionale in all the electoral contests except on the main islands. The Italian far right has managed to get together to present common lists in all constituencies: they will be led by Alessandra Mussolini in all constituencies except in the centre of the country where they will be led by sera Luca Romagnoli. The president of the Italian consumers association, Carlo Rienzi will head the so-called "Icona" list. Outgoing MEP Mario Segni (UEN) is expected to announce on 20 March the candidates of the Patto Segni list. The Radical, elected last time on the list of the former Commissioner Emma Bonino, appear to be hesitating on what strategy to follow. Marco Pannella has already been approached by Forza Italia, but met with Giuliano Amato on 8 March.