Newcomer promises change in Italy

Pescara, Italy : In a packed square, the candidate from the Democratic Party delivers his message: Vote for Change. Supporters hold up banners reading: We can!

If it seems like a snapshot from Barack Obama's presidential campaign, look again. This scene featured another Democrat fighting to lead his nation: Walter Veltroni, the outgoing Rome mayor, stirring up the crowd in his bid to be Italy's next premier.

The 52-year-old Veltroni faces an uphill battle against Silvio Berlusconi, the conservative leader and media tycoon who at age 71 is still the man to beat in the April 13-14 general election.

The flamboyant Berlusconi is vying to become premier for the third time in 14 years.

He is resorting to much of the same rhetoric that propelled him to power in the past: A promise of economic prosperity and lower taxes as well as the unfaltering self-confidence that he is the man to do the job.

"I'm not Superman, although my grandchildren believe I am," Berlusconi quipped during the first TV appearance of his campaign this month. "Well, in certain sectors I've actually been a bit of a Superman."

Not known for humility, Berlusconi has likened himself in previous campaign pitches to Napoleon, Winston Churchill and Jesus Christ.

Berlusconi hopes to capitalise on an electorate dissatisfied with the outgoing centre-left government of Romano Prodi.