Two 'defectors' from Silvio
Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italia (FI) party have returned
to the fold, the party said Thursday.
A former Senate speaker and erstwhile Christian Democrat,
Renato Schifani had joined the splinter New Center Right (NCD)
party led by Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, as had Senator
Antonio Azzollini.
Schifani also led the Popular Area (AP) center-right
caucus, which is made up of NCD plus the small centrist UDC
party.
"Schifani has continued to nurture the roots and the
founding values of FI," Berlusconi's party said in a statement,
adding that the media mogul viewed the move "with favor".
"Returning to FI is a logical consequence...of the need to
continue keeping faith with the ideals I believe in," said
Azzollini.
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