Italian election: Berlusconi MOCKS Strasbourg ruling over his future – ‘I don’t care!’

The four-time former prime minister’s centre-right coalition looks likely to win enough votes to form a government when Italy heads to the polls on March 4.

But because of a 2013 conviction for tax fraud, he would not be able to lead Italy as PM.

Billionaire Mr Berlusconi has launched a legal challenge at the European Court of Human Rights to have the ban overturned.

But asked by reporters if he is still waiting for the court in Strasbourg to deliver its ruling, he said: ”I don’t care.”

He added: ”If we want to get the country back on track, we must not only stop at the electoral deadline, we must be able to go to Palazzo Chigi and work for the country.”

The Palazzo Chigi in Rome is a historic palace traditionally occupied by the Prime Minister.

The 81-year-old also took the unusual step of suggesting voters to “force” family and friends to back his Forza Italia (Go Italy) party.

Addressing a group of construction workers, he said: “From here to the end of the election campaign each of you must become missionaries for freedom and forcing all customers, employees, family members, wives and lovers to vote.

“Voting is very simple this time: draw a cross on the logo of Forza Italia.”

The other major player in Mr Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition is the right-wing League party led by Matteo Salvini.

If their alliance wins enough support to form a government, the pair have reportedly agreed to allow the leader of whichever party receives the most votes to pick who would become PM.

Mr Salvini has indicated he would take the job, but Mr Berlusconi has not nominated a candidate, prompting speculation he is holding out for the job himself.

However, some reports have disputed this, with a person close to the former Prime Minister claiming he did not want another term as leader.

The unnamed source told Reuters news agency Mr Berlusconi would be happy if he could stay on as head of his Forza Italia party and back a different candidate to head the government.

The source said: “I don’t have the sense he wants to play another round as prime minister.”