Berlusconi wins a third term as Italy PM

In Italy, media mogul Silvio Berlusconi has won a third term as the country's prime minister after defeating former Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni in the general election.

Once taking office, Berlusconi faces a tough task in dealing with the economic and social problems.

Early results showed Berlusconi's center-right coalition won a comfortable majority in both houses of parliament.

This gives the conservative billionaire a third chance to be Italy's Prime Minister.

71-year-old Berlusconi had been elected as Prime Minister both in 1994 and 2001.

Paolo Buonaitui, Spokesman for Silvio Berlusconi, said, "I believe the Italians have won, because they have chosen a prime minister with a lot of experience who is credible. A person who is above all, capable to concretely realize his promises to the electorate."

A projection by state media showed Berlusconi's People of Freedom party and its allies taking 166 seats in the Senate.

That's compared to 138 for Veltroni's Democratic Party and its partner.

In the lower house, Berlusconi took the lead with nearly 45 percent of votes compared with Veltroni's 39 percent.

Center-left Veltroni says the result is clear,and has conceded defeat.

Analysts say a strong lead in both houses of parliament will help Berlusconi carry out promised economic and social reforms.

Once assuming office for the third time, Berlusconi will face an imminent task of saving a sluggish economy from recession -- a major concern of most voters.

On the campaign trail, he promised to lower taxes and cut public spending in campaigning.

The general election on Sunday and Monday was called after the government led by centre-left Premier Romano Prodi collapsed in January.