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Berlusconi Leads Polls for April Vote (Jeff Israely, 2/05/08, TIME)

Following yet another government crisis — and Senate President Franco Marini's failed, five-day attempt to establish a temporary ruling coalition to usher in much-needed electoral reform — the Italian Parliament is expected to be dissolved on Wednesday, and national elections scheduled in April. Though his allies have insisted for the past two years that it's time for new leadership on the Italian center-right, Berlusconi will again be its candidate, for the fifth time in 14 years (with two wins, two losses under his belt). Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, who once served as Prodi's No. 2, is expected to lead the center-left.

Berlusconi's lead in voter surveys says more about dissatisfaction with his opponents than any widespread hope that the once maverick leader will be able to lift Italy out of what all now acknowledge is a nationwide funk.