Sicilian judge elected Italian Prez

Rome, January 31

Sergio Mattarella, a constitutional court judge from Sicily who is seen as a symbol of Italy's battle against organised crime, was elected Italy's new President today.

The 73-year-old Sicilian, who was backed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's centre-left Democratic Party (PD), succeeds the hugely popular Giorgio Napolitano, who is stepping down because of his advanced age.

"My thoughts are, first and foremost, on the difficulties and hopes of our citizens," Mattarella said in a brief appearance.

Renzi, for whom the election was a political victory, rejoiced in a Tweet: "Good work, President Mattarella! Long live Italy!" By choosing an austere, left-leaning social democrat Renzi unified his party, but also showed disgraced former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, an ally in important reforms, he was no longer essential.

The newly-elected president is little known to the public but is widely respected in politics after a 25-year parliamentary career and several stints as minister in governments of the left and right.

Renowned for his integrity, he entered politics after his elder brother was murdered by the Sicilian Mafia.

Mattarella won 665 votes in the fourth round of voting by a 1,009-member electoral college, composed of members of the two houses of parliament-the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies-and 58 representatives of the regions. — AFP