Berlusconi: I still have good muscles and a bit of brains
Silvio Berlusconi announced yesterday that he would not run for Prime Minister in the forthcoming general election.
In a televised statement, he said "I still have good muscles and a bit of brains, but what is left for me is to give advice."
He said that resigning from the premiership last year was a painful decision but that the country does not want to participate in a "witch hunt".
Mr Berlusconi is still free to play an active role in politics despite a ban on holding public office since the ban is suspended until after the appeals process.
Reports: Berlusconi's lawyers set to appeal conviction
Media reports in Italy suggest lawyers for Silvio Berlusconi are to appeal against his jail sentence for tax fraud.
Silvio Berlusconi sentenced to four years for tax fraud
The former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to four years in prison for his part in a tax evasion scheme.