Forza Italia (2013)#Electoral results

The new FI, announced in June 2013,{{cite web |url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2013-06-28/berlusconi-sostegno-convinto-leale-201248.shtml |title=Berlusconi al Tg1: torna Forza Italia e sarò io a guidarla |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=28 July 2013 |language=it |publisher=Il Sole 24 Ore |archive-date=23 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062203/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2013-06-28/berlusconi-sostegno-convinto-leale-201248.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2013/06/28/news/berlusconi-62047776/ |title=Berlusconi annuncia ritorno di Forza Italia. "Temo che sarò ancora il numero uno" |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=24 August 2013 |language=it |publisher=la Repubblica |archive-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031140743/http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2013/06/28/news/berlusconi-62047776/ |url-status=live }} was launched on 18 September{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-18/berlusconi-revives-forza-italia-in-plea-for-help-against-trials.html |title=Berlusconi Revives Forza Italia in Plea for Help Against Trials |date=18 September 2013 |publisher=Bloomberg News |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029211420/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-18/berlusconi-revives-forza-italia-in-plea-for-help-against-trials.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/berlusconi-forza-italia-video-message-trial-senate-507145 |title=Silvio Berlusconi Relaunches Forza Italia on Senate Ousting Vote |date=18 September 2013 |work=International Business Times |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-date=13 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213005956/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/berlusconi-forza-italia-video-message-trial-senate-507145 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130918-707650.html |title=Berlusconi Vows to Stay in Politics if Ousted From Senate |date=18 September 2013 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal }}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/19/world/europe/berlusconi-stakes-a-claim-for-relevance-but-avoids-threats.html?_r=0 |title=Berlusconi Stakes a Claim for Relevance, but Avoids Threats |date=18 September 2013 |work=The New York Times |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074548/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/19/world/europe/berlusconi-stakes-a-claim-for-relevance-but-avoids-threats.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }} and the PdL was formally dissolved into the party on 16 November.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-berlusconi-idUSBRE9AE15M20131116 |title=Berlusconi breaks away from Italian government after party splits |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=16 November 2013 |publisher=Reuters |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232953/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/16/us-italy-berlusconi-idUSBRE9AE15M20131116 |url-status=live }} The day before a group of dissidents (mainly Christian democrats), led by Berlusconi's former protégé Angelino Alfano, had broken away by announcing the foundation of the alternative New Centre-Right (NCD).{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/novembre/16/rottura_tra_Berlusconi_Alfano_vicepremier_co_0_20131116_655ef574-4e8a-11e3-9c1a-7bb9640fad0f.shtml |title=È rottura tra Berlusconi e Alfano Il vicepremier annuncia i nuovi gruppi |date=16 November 2013 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203023906/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/novembre/16/rottura_tra_Berlusconi_Alfano_vicepremier_co_0_20131116_655ef574-4e8a-11e3-9c1a-7bb9640fad0f.shtml |url-status=live }} Another group of PdL members, led by former mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno, had left the party earlier to form Italy First and would later join Brothers of Italy (FdI).{{cite web |url=http://www.ilmessaggero.it/primopiano/politica/alemanno_prima_l39italia_movimento_crisi_paese_adriano/notizie/339064.shtml |title=Alemanno lancia "Prima l'Italia": "La priorità è portare il Paese fuori dalla crisi" |date=13 October 2013 |language=it |publisher=Il Messaggero |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=14 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114185059/http://www.ilmessaggero.it/primopiano/politica/alemanno_prima_l39italia_movimento_crisi_paese_adriano/notizie/339064.shtml |url-status=live }} According to Berlusconi, the PdL would become a coalition of centre-right parties, including the new FI, Lega Nord (LN), the NCD, the FdI, etc.{{cite web |url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_novembre_16/addio-pdl-in-frantumi-rinasce-forza-italia-0d58c8fc-4e97-11e3-80a5-bffb044a7c4e.shtml |title=L'addio al Pdl (in frantumi), rinasce Forza Italia |date=16 November 2013 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=26 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126140958/http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_novembre_16/addio-pdl-in-frantumi-rinasce-forza-italia-0d58c8fc-4e97-11e3-80a5-bffb044a7c4e.shtml |url-status=live }}

Among the supporters of the return to FI, the so-called "hawks"{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/settembre/29/Nel_Pdl_colombe_pronte_alla_co_0_20130929_ed845a88-28cf-11e3-8e17-099258439883.shtml |title=Nel Pdl colombe pronte alla battaglia E il partito ora rischia la scissione |publisher=Archiviostorico.corriere.it |access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126072536/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/settembre/29/Nel_Pdl_colombe_pronte_alla_co_0_20130929_ed845a88-28cf-11e3-8e17-099258439883.shtml |url-status=live }} and self-proclaimed "loyalists",{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/06/Fitto_noi_lealisti_non_vogliamo_co_0_20131006_ab726868-2e49-11e3-b222-139b8e629b71.shtml |title=Fitto: noi lealisti non vogliamo posti Azzerare tutto e poi congresso |publisher=Archiviostorico.corriere.it |access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-date=13 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013105326/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/06/Fitto_noi_lealisti_non_vogliamo_co_0_20131006_ab726868-2e49-11e3-b222-139b8e629b71.shtml |url-status=live }} a leading role was played by Raffaele Fitto, who, despite the common Christian-democratic background, was a long-time rival of Alfano. Loyalists included Antonio Martino, Renato Brunetta, Denis Verdini, Mariastella Gelmini, Mara Carfagna, Daniela Santanchè, Niccolò Ghedini and Daniele Capezzone, while Maurizio Gasparri, Altero Matteoli and Paolo Romani tried to mediate, but finally joined the new FI.{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/07/Pdl_tanti_all_ipotesi_del_co_0_20131007_9ff03318-2f10-11e3-85b9-b6e5136dfd53.shtml |title=Pdl, tanti no all?ipotesi del congresso |publisher=Archiviostorico.corriere.it |access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126065356/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/07/Pdl_tanti_all_ipotesi_del_co_0_20131007_9ff03318-2f10-11e3-85b9-b6e5136dfd53.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/08/Pdl_sfida_sugli_incarichi_affacciano_co_0_20131008_834011dc-2fdf-11e3-8ec9-e32572c99863.shtml |title=Il Pdl e la sfida sugli incarichi Si affacciano i mediatori |publisher=Archiviostorico.corriere.it |access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126063807/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/ottobre/08/Pdl_sfida_sugli_incarichi_affacciano_co_0_20131008_834011dc-2fdf-11e3-8ec9-e32572c99863.shtml |url-status=live }} The symbol of FI made its return in the 2013 Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol provincial elections, although in a regional fashion: "Forza Trentino"{{cite news |url=http://trentinocorrierealpi.gelocal.it/cronaca/2013/09/11/news/nasce-forza-trentino-ultimo-pressing-su-mosna-1.7721018 |title=Nasce Forza Trentino: ultimo pressing su Mosna |date=11 September 2013 |access-date=26 September 2013 |language=it |publisher=Trentino |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210502/http://trentinocorrierealpi.gelocal.it/cronaca/2013/09/11/news/nasce-forza-trentino-ultimo-pressing-su-mosna-1.7721018 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} and "Forza Alto Adige" (in list with Lega Nord Alto Adige – Südtirol).{{cite web |url=http://altoadige.gelocal.it/cronaca/2013/09/14/news/biancofiore-candida-l-artioli-capolista-1.7745673 |title=Biancofiore candida l'Artioli capolista |date=14 September 2013 |access-date=26 September 2013 |language=it |publisher=Alto Adige |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060138/http://altoadige.gelocal.it/cronaca/2013/09/14/news/biancofiore-candida-l-artioli-capolista-1.7745673 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}

On 27 November, the Senate approved Berlusconi's expulsion,{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/novembre/28/Alle_annuncio_dopo_voto_palese_co_0_20131128_7dce2f2c-57f8-11e3-a370-18ddc3b01aae.shtml |title=Alle 17.42 l'annuncio dopo il voto palese L'ira di Forza Italia sui Cinquestelle |date=28 November 2013 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=2 December 2013 |archive-date=21 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221192440/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/novembre/28/Alle_annuncio_dopo_voto_palese_co_0_20131128_7dce2f2c-57f8-11e3-a370-18ddc3b01aae.shtml |url-status=live }} following the leader's conviction for tax evasion in August, when Berlusconi was sentenced to four years of imprisonment, the last three being automatically pardoned.{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/agosto/02/Confermata_condanna_Berlusconi_scontera_anno_co_0_20130802_a21c575a-fb37-11e2-8afe-aa7fc56be269.shtml |title=Confermata la condanna Berlusconi sconterà 1 anno |publisher=Archiviostorico.corriere.it |access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102112233/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/agosto/02/Confermata_condanna_Berlusconi_scontera_anno_co_0_20130802_a21c575a-fb37-11e2-8afe-aa7fc56be269.shtml |url-status=live }} The day before FI had joined the opposition to Enrico Letta's government,{{cite web |url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_novembre_26/questa-legge-stabilita-poltrone-40b87926-569a-11e3-9a32-8b8b5da15961.shtml |title=Forza Italia esce dalla maggioranza Alfano: "Un errore sabotare Letta" |date=26 November 2013 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=2 December 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127153920/http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_novembre_26/questa-legge-stabilita-poltrone-40b87926-569a-11e3-9a32-8b8b5da15961.shtml |url-status=live }} which was still supported by Alfano's NCD instead. The latter voted against Berlusconi's expulsion,{{cite web |url=http://www.ilmessaggero.it/primo_piano/politica/grasso_decadenza_berlusconi_voto_bondi-217790.html |title=Berlusconi, Alfano: no alla decadenza. Grasso: nessun rinvio sul voto |date=22 November 2013 |publisher=Ilmessaggero.it |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=28 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528124109/http://www.ilmessaggero.it/primo_piano/politica/grasso_decadenza_berlusconi_voto_bondi-217790.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.avvenire.it/Politica/Pagine/conferenza-ncd-decadenza-berlusconi.aspx |title=Decadenza Berlusconi, Alfano: una brutta giornata per la democrazia |publisher=Avvenire.it |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308113947/http://www.avvenire.it/Politica/Pagine/conferenza-ncd-decadenza-berlusconi.aspx |url-status=live }} but since then completely parted ways from FI.

As of the end of December 2013, Berlusconi was set to appoint two vice presidents: Antonio Tajani (European Commissioner and vice president of the European People's Party) and Giovanni Toti (former editor of Studio Aperto and TG4,{{cite web |url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/interni/mediaset-cambio-ai-vertici-posto-giovanni-toti-arrivano-985547.html |title=Mediaset, cambio ai vertici Al posto di Giovanni Toti arrivano Giordano e Broggiato |date=24 January 2014 |language=it |publisher=il Giornale |access-date=25 January 2014 |archive-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124221056/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/interni/mediaset-cambio-ai-vertici-posto-giovanni-toti-arrivano-985547.html |url-status=live }} two news programs of Berlusconi's Mediaset).{{cite web |url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_dicembre_29/forza-italia-via-palazzi-romani-si-riparte-milano-brianza-1cccd3ae-7067-11e3-a541-158387497691.shtml |title="Forza Italia via dai palazzi romani" Si riparte da Milano (e dalla Brianza) |date=29 November 2013 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102195936/http://www.corriere.it/politica/13_dicembre_29/forza-italia-via-palazzi-romani-si-riparte-milano-brianza-1cccd3ae-7067-11e3-a541-158387497691.shtml |url-status=live }} As a result of the resentment by the party's old guard, notably including Fitto, on the alleged appointment of Toti also as coordinator-at-large, Berlusconi appointed him merely "political counselor" to the party.{{cite web|url=http://www.forzaitalia.it/notizie/10314/nomine-forza-italia-berlusconi-nomina-giovanni-toti-consigliere-politico|title=Forza Italia - Responsabili Uffici e Dipartimenti nazionali|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221194448/http://www.forzaitalia.it/notizie/10314/nomine-forza-italia-berlusconi-nomina-giovanni-toti-consigliere-politico|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2013/09/19/Letta-says-govt-won-punchball-rebuts-Berlusconi_9328481.html |title=Berlusconi taps newsman as party advisor |date=24 January 2014 |access-date=24 January 2014 |publisher=Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata |archive-date=11 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111125935/http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2013/09/19/Letta-says-govt-won-punchball-rebuts-Berlusconi_9328481.html |url-status=live }}

File:Silvio Berlusconi - Trento 2018 04.jpg in 2018]]

In the 2014 European Parliament election, FI obtained 16.8% of the vote and had 13 MEPs elected, including Toti in the North-West, Elisabetta Gardini in the North-East, Tajani (who had first been elected to the European Parliament in 1994) in the Centre and, most notably, Fitto (who garnered more than 180,000 votes in his native Apulia alone) in the South.{{cite web|url=http://elezionistorico.interno.it/index.php?tpel=E&dtel=|date=25 May 2014|title= Ministero dell'Interno Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Europee del 25 Maggio 2014|access-date=9 June 2015}}

Fitto, the strongest backer of Berlusconi's leadership in late 2013, became his main internal challenger by mid 2014. After months of bickering with Berlusconi over the so-called "Nazareno pact" with Matteo Renzi, leader of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister, in February 2015, Fitto launched his own faction, named "Rebuilders".{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/15_febbraio_21/fi-fitto-lancia-ricostruttori-stiamo-saremo-partito-506cb43e-b9e2-11e4-ab78-eaaa5a462975.shtml|title=Fi, Fitto lancia i "ricostruttori" "Stiamo e saremo nel partito"|work=Corriere della Sera|access-date=9 June 2015|date=21 February 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705200126/http://www.corriere.it/politica/15_febbraio_21/fi-fitto-lancia-ricostruttori-stiamo-saremo-partito-506cb43e-b9e2-11e4-ab78-eaaa5a462975.shtml|url-status=live}} Fitto's supporters included Capezzone, Maurizio Bianconi, Rocco Palese, Saverio Romano, Cinzia Bonfrisco, Augusto Minzolini and most Apulian MPs.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/gennaio/22/Dall_tesoriere_pugliesi_chi_sta_co_0_20150122_b2070b1a-a202-11e4-b31a-4e54bb51023c.shtml|title=Dall?ex tesoriere ai pugliesi: chi sta con Fitto E Verdini prova ad assottigliare la pattuglia|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126063821/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/gennaio/22/Dall_tesoriere_pugliesi_chi_sta_co_0_20150122_b2070b1a-a202-11e4-b31a-4e54bb51023c.shtml|url-status=live}}

In September 2014, FI was admitted into the European People's Party (EPP), inheriting the PdL's membership.{{cite news|title=Forza Italia membro d'ufficio Ppe come erede del Pdl|url=http://www.ansa.it/europa/notizie/rubriche/altrenews/2014/09/11/forza-italia-membro-dufficio-ppe-come-erede-del-pdl_0e42e102-cf32-4261-a450-e0ddad7aaa4d.html|journal=Ansa.it|language=it|date=19 September 2014|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208055718/http://www.ansa.it/europa/notizie/rubriche/altrenews/2014/09/11/forza-italia-membro-dufficio-ppe-come-erede-del-pdl_0e42e102-cf32-4261-a450-e0ddad7aaa4d.html|url-status=live}}

In the run-up of the 2015 regional elections, the party was riven in internal disputes and was divided mainly in three groups: Berlusconi's loyalists, Fitto's "Rebuilders" and nostalgics of the "Nazareno pact".{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/febbraio/06/Lotte_intestine_mosse_del_governo_co_0_20150206_13443ac6-adcd-11e4-988f-6d7574187ca9.shtml|title=Lotte intestine e mosse del governo Berlusconi ora si sente sotto assedio|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018104147/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/febbraio/06/Lotte_intestine_mosse_del_governo_co_0_20150206_13443ac6-adcd-11e4-988f-6d7574187ca9.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/11752841/Forza-Italia--la-mappa-del.html|title=Forza Italia, la mappa del partito: nomi e cognomi, ecco tutte le correnti e i loro obiettivi|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103206/http://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/11752841/Forza-Italia--la-mappa-del.html|url-status=live}} The latter were led by Verdini and some of them, notably including Bondi, were openly pro-Renzi.{{cite web |url=http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/italia-mondo/2015/05/04/news/italicum-oggi-voto-finale-letta-mattarella-non-firmi-1.11354544 |title=Italicum, oggi voto finale. Letta: Mattarella non firmi - Pagina Nazionale - il Tirreno |publisher=Iltirreno.gelocal.it |date=4 May 2015 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816180419/http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/italia-mondo/2015/05/04/news/italicum-oggi-voto-finale-letta-mattarella-non-firmi-1.11354544 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://ilmanifesto.info/tutto-per-litalicum/|title=il manifesto|date=27 April 2015|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=1 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501014907/http://ilmanifesto.info/tutto-per-litalicum/|url-status=live}} Bondi, a former Berlusconi loyalist, and his partner Manuela Repetti left the party in March,{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/01/Bondi_Repetti_ora_addio_definitivo_co_0_20150401_edee9886-d831-11e4-a386-eab779a6225e.shtml|title=Bondi e Repetti, ora l?addio è definitivo Nel partito è guerra generazionale|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125200815/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/01/Bondi_Repetti_ora_addio_definitivo_co_0_20150401_edee9886-d831-11e4-a386-eab779a6225e.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/04/Berlusconi_tutto_campo_Lite_con_co_0_20150404_53e2489c-da8d-11e4-ae22-33a24e243db5.shtml|title=Berlusconi a tutto campo. Lite con Bondi E in Puglia il candidato va con Fitto|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150423131126/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/04/Berlusconi_tutto_campo_Lite_con_co_0_20150404_53e2489c-da8d-11e4-ae22-33a24e243db5.shtml|url-status=live}} while other disgruntled Verdiniani propped up the government from time to time. Berlusconi chose Toti as candidate for president in Liguria, confirmed incumbent Stefano Caldoro as the party's standard-bearer in Campania and renewed their support of LN's Luca Zaia in Veneto.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/02/Chiuso_accordo_Lega_Forza_Italia_co_0_20150402_974d5fce-d8fb-11e4-8d95-ef2bdee49e23.shtml|title=Chiuso l?accordo Lega-Forza Italia con Zaia in Veneto e Toti in Liguria|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126091823/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/02/Chiuso_accordo_Lega_Forza_Italia_co_0_20150402_974d5fce-d8fb-11e4-8d95-ef2bdee49e23.shtml|url-status=live}} However, Berlusconi and Fitto did not find an agreement on the composition of the slates in Apulia, where the two wings of the party fielded opposing candidates for president,{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/11/Berlusconi_Alfano_intesa_Campania_rottura_co_0_20150411_a89a990e-e00d-11e4-8081-cf1278dfbc12.shtml|title=Berlusconi-Alfano, intesa in Campania È rottura con Fitto|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126071538/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/11/Berlusconi_Alfano_intesa_Campania_rottura_co_0_20150411_a89a990e-e00d-11e4-8081-cf1278dfbc12.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/12/Puglia_Berlusconi_lancia_Poli_Bortone_co_0_20150412_11d3b318-e0d8-11e4-aee2-175425b8aa3b.shtml|title=In Puglia Berlusconi lancia Poli Bortone: è caos|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126070031/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/12/Puglia_Berlusconi_lancia_Poli_Bortone_co_0_20150412_11d3b318-e0d8-11e4-aee2-175425b8aa3b.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/13/Poli_Bortone_dice_Toti_ora_co_0_20150413_cbd91102-e19d-11e4-b01c-a50accaabecc.shtml|title="Poli Bortone dice sì". Toti: ora Fitto si allinei|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126065045/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/13/Poli_Bortone_dice_Toti_ora_co_0_20150413_cbd91102-e19d-11e4-b01c-a50accaabecc.shtml|url-status=live}} and similar problems arose in Tuscany,{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/16/Berlusconi_liste_caso_Toscana_co_0_20150416_1e082b02-e3fb-11e4-a7bf-9be4d19408d5.shtml|title=Berlusconi fa le liste. E c?è il caso Toscana|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=10 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110045638/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2015/aprile/16/Berlusconi_liste_caso_Toscana_co_0_20150416_1e082b02-e3fb-11e4-a7bf-9be4d19408d5.shtml|url-status=live}} Verdini's (and Renzi's) home region and stronghold.

Two weeks before the elections, Fitto left FI and the European People's Party group in the European Parliament to join the European Conservatives and Reformists and start his own party, the Conservatives and Reformists (CR).{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2015/05/19/fitto-nasce-associazione-conservatori-e-riformisti_af38798d-7ced-459c-b6ea-e546257ec225.html|title=Fitto, nasce associazione Conservatori e Riformisti|work=ANSA.it|access-date=9 June 2015|date=19 May 2015|archive-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528141128/http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2015/05/19/fitto-nasce-associazione-conservatori-e-riformisti_af38798d-7ced-459c-b6ea-e546257ec225.html|url-status=live}} By mid July, when CR was formally established as a party, nine deputies, ten senators and another MEP had left FI to follow Fitto.{{cite web |url=http://conservatorieriformisti.it/inparlamento/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107183546/http://conservatorieriformisti.it/inparlamento/ |archive-date=7 November 2015 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/politica/2015/07/08/gruppo-camera-conti-ipotesi-scissione-fitto-vale-milione-euro_KimbXZnpqXn0toS3FPqz8M.html|title=FI, gruppo Camera fa i conti: ipotesi scissione Fitto 'vale' 1 milione di euro|website=Adnkronos|date=18 December 2020|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023154552/http://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/politica/2015/07/08/gruppo-camera-conti-ipotesi-scissione-fitto-vale-milione-euro_KimbXZnpqXn0toS3FPqz8M.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.affaritaliani.it/politica/fitto-dodici-senatori-368571.html|title=Raffaele Fitto, con lui dodici senatori: ecco i nomi|website=Affaritaliani.it|date=26 May 2015|access-date=10 July 2015|archive-date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711020426/http://www.affaritaliani.it/politica/fitto-dodici-senatori-368571.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ecrgroup.eu/news|title=News // ECR Group|website=ECR Group|access-date=19 June 2019|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712090032/https://ecrgroup.eu/news|url-status=live}}

In the elections, the party lost many votes, mainly to the LN, and gained more than 10% only in three regions out seven (including Apulia, where the party's candidate did worse than Fitto's one, while, in Veneto, a former stronghold, FI barely reached 6%), but, thanks to the LN's strong showing, Toti was elected President of Liguria.

Another split occurred in late July, when Verdini led his group out of the party and launched the Liberal Popular Alliance (ALA).{{Cite web|url = https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2015/07/23/denis-verdini-lascia-forza-italia-con-berlusconi-posizioni-distanti-vado-via/1900952|title = Denis Verdini lascia Forza Italia: "Con Berlusconi posizioni distanti, vado via"|date = 23 July 2015|access-date = 13 March 2019|archive-date = 6 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200806192550/https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2015/07/23/denis-verdini-lascia-forza-italia-con-berlusconi-posizioni-distanti-vado-via/1900952/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2015/07/29/news/alfano_bondi_fitto_verdini_i_big_azzurri_che_hanno_detto_addio_a_berlusconi-120031032|title = Alfano, Bondi, Fitto, Verdini: Due anni di addii a Berlusconi|date = 29 July 2015|access-date = 13 March 2019|archive-date = 13 December 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213224957/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2015/07/29/news/alfano_bondi_fitto_verdini_i_big_azzurri_che_hanno_detto_addio_a_berlusconi-120031032/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web| url=http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2015/09/24/news/il-lento-declino-del-berlusconi-politico-e-il-centrodestra-non-sa-piu-dove-andare-1.231413| title=Il lento declino del Berlusconi politico e il centrodestra non sa più dove andare| date=24 September 2015| access-date=13 March 2019| archive-date=22 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322121521/http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2015/09/24/news/il-lento-declino-del-berlusconi-politico-e-il-centrodestra-non-sa-piu-dove-andare-1.231413| url-status=live}}

File:EPP Summit, Brussels, March 2017 (32497344774).jpg, President of the European Parliament from 2017 to 2019]]

In the 2016 Milan municipal election, FI found a strong candidate for mayor in Stefano Parisi, a former director-general of Confindustria and CEO of Fastweb, who pulled the party to 20.2% (virtually double than the LN's score), but narrowly lost to his Democratic opponent in the run-off, Giuseppe Sala. After the election, FI was basically divided in two camps: one led by Parisi, who did not officially joined the party and proposed a more traditional centre-right "liberal-popular" path, and the other led by Toti, who had formed a strong partnership with Roberto Maroni and Luca Zaia, the LN's presidents of Lombardy and Veneto, and was supportive of a full-scale alliance with LN and, possibly, of its leader Matteo Salvini's bid to become the leader of the centre-right coalition.{{cite web |url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2016-11-14/una-poltrona-due-salvini-e-parisi-guerra-la-leaderhip-095822.shtml?uuid=AD86A0uB&refresh_ce=1 |title=Una poltrona per due: Salvini e Parisi in guerra per la leadership |publisher=Il Sole 24 ORE |date=14 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=15 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115000027/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2016-11-14/una-poltrona-due-salvini-e-parisi-guerra-la-leaderhip-095822.shtml?uuid=AD86A0uB&refresh_ce=1 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Pubblicato: 12 November 2016 20:43 CET |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.it/2016/11/12/trump-salvini-parisi_n_12930332.html |title=Donald Trump esalta e divide il centrodestra. Salvini contro Parisi, trumpisti contro moderati. Berlusconi fa la sua scelta |publisher=Huffingtonpost.it |date=12 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117020700/http://www.huffingtonpost.it/2016/11/12/trump-salvini-parisi_n_12930332.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Altri articoli dalla categoria |url=http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2016/11/12/news/salvini_in_piazza_a_firenze_io_candidato_premier_se_me_lo_chiedono_ci_sono_-151863478/ |title=Salvini a Firenze: "Pronto a fare il leader del centrodestra" - Repubblica.it |publisher=Firenze.repubblica.it |date=12 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=9 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309075847/http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2016/11/12/news/salvini_in_piazza_a_firenze_io_candidato_premier_se_me_lo_chiedono_ci_sono_-151863478/ |url-status=live }} In November, when it was clear that Parisi would not come to terms with Salvini, Berlusconi disowned Parisi,{{cite web |author=Redazione ANSA |url=http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2016/11/15/centrodestra-berlusconi-scarica-parisi-non-puo-avere-un-ruolo-se-in-contrasto-con-salvini_2f5b5389-fe86-44c8-85f4-89194044bc64.html |title=Centrodestra: Berlusconi scarica Parisi, non può avere un ruolo se in contrasto con Salvini - Politica |publisher=ANSA.it |date=15 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502035924/http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2016/11/15/centrodestra-berlusconi-scarica-parisi-non-puo-avere-un-ruolo-se-in-contrasto-con-salvini_2f5b5389-fe86-44c8-85f4-89194044bc64.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Valentina Santarpia |url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/16_novembre_15/berlusconi-scarica-parisi-no-ruoli-lui-se-resta-contrasto-salvini-b06e174a-ab1e-11e6-ba61-2e866e9865d0.shtml |title=Berlusconi scarica Parisi: "No a ruoli per lui se resta contrasto con Salvini" La replica di Parisi: "Io vado avanti |publisher=Corriere.it |date=15 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123203310/http://www.corriere.it/politica/16_novembre_15/berlusconi-scarica-parisi-no-ruoli-lui-se-resta-contrasto-salvini-b06e174a-ab1e-11e6-ba61-2e866e9865d0.shtml |url-status=live }} who responded by launching his own Energies for Italy (EpI) party.{{cite web |author=Redazione ANSA |url=http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2016/11/18/parisi-launches-new-center-right-party_4dee8edc-6efc-4cf6-8738-7dd15f64d473.html |title=Parisi launches new center-right party - English |publisher=ANSA.it |date=18 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=24 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124024428/http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2016/11/18/parisi-launches-new-center-right-party_4dee8edc-6efc-4cf6-8738-7dd15f64d473.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Raffaella Cagnazzo |url=http://www.corriere.it/cronache/16_novembre_18/centrodestra-parisi-lancia-nuovo-movimento-energie-l-italia-grande-lavoro-rinnovamento-0a8d8556-ad79-11e6-97cf-b67e1016ae14.shtml |title=Centrodestra, Parisi lancia il nuovo movimento 'Energie per l'Italia': «Rinnovamento radicale dal basso |publisher=Corriere.it |date=18 November 2016 |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123074726/http://www.corriere.it/cronache/16_novembre_18/centrodestra-parisi-lancia-nuovo-movimento-energie-l-italia-grande-lavoro-rinnovamento-0a8d8556-ad79-11e6-97cf-b67e1016ae14.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2016-11-18/parisi-non-molla-e-lancia-movimento-energie-l-italia--111912.shtml?uuid=ADdRzcxB |title=Parisi lancia ŤEnergie per l'Italiať: alternativi a Renzi e Grillo |publisher=Il Sole 24 ORE |date=18 November 2016 |access-date=17 March 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201917/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2016-11-18/parisi-non-molla-e-lancia-movimento-energie-l-italia--111912.shtml?uuid=ADdRzcxB |url-status=live }}

Since then, the party has strengthened its position in parliament, thanks to an influx of MPs from other parties, including several returning after years of dissent. In August 2016, the party was re-joined by two senators, including Renato Schifani from the NCD and another from the ALA. In November came Mario Mauro and his Populars for Italy (PpI).{{cite web|url=http://www.senato.it/Leg17/4244|title=senato.it - Senato della Repubblica senato.it - Variazioni nei Gruppi parlamentari|website=www.senato.it|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115081543/http://www.senato.it/Leg17/4244|url-status=live}} Since June 2017, the party was joined by three deputies and one senator from Popular Alternative (AP, ex-NCD), one deputy and one senator from the Mixed Group (ex-Five Star Movement, M5S), one deputy from Direction Italy (DI, ex-CR), one from Solidary Democracy (Demo.S), one from Act! (F!, ex-LN) and two senators from the ALA.{{cite web|url=http://www.camera.it/leg17/217?idlegislatura=17&idGruppo=1851&idGruppoMisto=&tipoVis=|title=Camera.it - XVII Legislatura - Deputati e Organi Parlamentari - Composizione gruppi Parlamentari|website=www.camera.it|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105000123/http://www.camera.it/leg17/217?idlegislatura=17&idGruppo=1851&idGruppoMisto=&tipoVis=|url-status=live}} Particularly, Enrico Costa left AP and resigned from minister of Regional Affairs in Paolo Gentiloni's centre-left government,{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/07/19/news/si_e_dimesso_ministro_costa-171149741|title=Governo, si è dimesso ministro Enrico Costa: "Niente ambiguità"|date=19 July 2017|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729145823/http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/07/19/news/si_e_dimesso_ministro_costa-171149741/|url-status=live}} aiming at forming a "liberal centre" with FI.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/costa-lascia-governo-partito-centrista-che-nasce-contro-1422354.html|title=Costa lascia il governo Via al partito centrista che nasce contro Alfano|first=Roberto|last=Scafuri|website=ilGiornale.it|date=20 July 2017|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724031001/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/costa-lascia-governo-partito-centrista-che-nasce-contro-1422354.html|url-status=live}} In the context of a more united centre-right, Costa might form the "fourth leg" of the coalition, after the LN, FI and the FdI, by uniting other AP splinters, DI, F!, Identity and Action (IdeA), the Italian Liberal Party (PLI), the Union of the Centre (UdC), and the Pensioners' Party (PP),{{Cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2017/07/21/italia/berlusconi-accoglie-i-centristi-pronto-il-nome-italia-civica-lI4hvWOtBfhCVQYBVxD1pI/pagina.html|title=Berlusconi accoglie i centristi. Pronto il nome: "Italia Civica"|website=LaStampa.it|date=21 July 2017|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=4 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504020027/https://www.lastampa.it/2017/07/21/italia/berlusconi-accoglie-i-centristi-pronto-il-nome-italia-civica-lI4hvWOtBfhCVQYBVxD1pI/pagina.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/in-edicola/articoli/2017/07/19/e-berlusconi-ordino-fermate-lesodo-o-cade-lesecutivo/3738819/|title=E Berlusconi ordinò: "Fermate l'esodo o cade l'esecutivo"|website=Il Fatto Quotidiano|date=19 July 2017 |access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706081346/https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/in-edicola/articoli/2017/07/19/e-berlusconi-ordino-fermate-lesodo-o-cade-lesecutivo/3738819/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.it/2017/07/20/tra-quarte-gambe-e-bad-company-viaggio-nella-galassia-centrista_a_23039812|title=TRA QUARTE GAMBE E BAD COMPANY, VIAGGIO NELLA GALASSIA CENTRISTA IMPLOSA PER L'ANSIA DA SEGGIO|date=20 July 2017|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021222820/https://www.huffingtonpost.it/2017/07/20/tra-quarte-gambe-e-bad-company-viaggio-nella-galassia-centrista_a_23039812/|url-status=dead}} all variously affiliated with FI and the centre-right. Not all FI members were happy with all that; in fact, two senators and one deputy, Daniela Santanchè, switched to the FdI.{{Cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/17_dicembre_03/fratelli-d-italia-via-an-msi-simbolo-entra-santanche-tornata-casa-mia-f3f3ad3c-d81c-11e7-83d0-5335217d8231.shtml|title=Fratelli d'Italia: via An e Msi dal simbolo. Entra Santanchè: "Tornata a casa mia"|first=Franco|last=Stefanoni|date=12 March 2017|website=Corriere della Sera|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191210/https://www.corriere.it/politica/17_dicembre_03/fratelli-d-italia-via-an-msi-simbolo-entra-santanche-tornata-casa-mia-f3f3ad3c-d81c-11e7-83d0-5335217d8231.shtml|url-status=live}}

In January 2017, Antonio Tajani was elected President of the European Parliament, the first Italian since Emilio Colombo (1977–1979).

In the 2018 general election, FI obtained 14.0% of the vote and was overtaken by the LN for the first time as the largest party of the centre-right. After the election, long-time FI senator Elisabetta Casellati, was appointed President of the Senate, with centre-right's and M5S' support. After months of negotiations, the centre-right fragmented as the LN chose to team up with the M5S and formed a yellow-green government, also dubbed as Government of Change, under Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

In July, Berlusconi appointed Tajani, who had been previously tipped as candidate for Prime Minister in the run-up of the 2018 general election,{{Cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/elezioni-2018/notizie/chi-antonio-tajani-candidato-premier-scelto-berlusconi-9cfd3134-1de9-11e8-af9a-2daa4c2d1bbb.shtml|title=Chi è Antonio Tajani, il candidato premier scelto da Berlusconi|first=Redazione|last=Online|date=3 February 2018|website=Corriere della Sera|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404180235/http://www.corriere.it/elezioni-2018/notizie/chi-antonio-tajani-candidato-premier-scelto-berlusconi-9cfd3134-1de9-11e8-af9a-2daa4c2d1bbb.shtml|url-status=live}} vice president and Adriano Galliani coordinator of departments,{{Cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2018/07/05/news/forza_italia_tajani_galliani-200966666/|title=Forza Italia, Berlusconi nomina Tajani suo vice. Galliani coordinatore dei dipartimenti|date=5 July 2018|website=Repubblica.it|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215638/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2018/07/05/news/forza_italia_tajani_galliani-200966666/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/svolta-forza-italia-tajani-vice-berlusconi-1549495.html|title=La svolta di Forza Italia: Tajani vice di Berlusconi|first=Anna Maria|last=Greco|website=ilGiornale.it|date=6 July 2018|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111722/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/svolta-forza-italia-tajani-vice-berlusconi-1549495.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/13357608/silvio-berlusconi-forza-italia-antonio-tajani-vicepresidente-adriano-galliani-capo-dipartimenti-malumori-nel-partito.html|title=Berlusconi promuove Galliani, nuove gerarchie in Forza Italia. Ma la scelta scatena una guerra nel partito|website=www.liberoquotidiano.it|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111754/https://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/13357608/silvio-berlusconi-forza-italia-antonio-tajani-vicepresidente-adriano-galliani-capo-dipartimenti-malumori-nel-partito.html|url-status=live}} in an effort to restructure the party, which was shrinking in opinion polls.

File:Berlusconi at the EPP Zagreb Congress.jpg Congress in 2019]]

Berlusconi decided to run in the 2019 European Parliament election as FI's top candidate in all Italian constituencies, except for central Italy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/politica/2019/02/15/berlusconi-non-saro-capolista-ovunque-tajani-centro_fLtGqDeAaxclKT3i8qPe4K.html|title=Berlusconi: "Non sarò capolista ovunque, Tajani al centro"|website=Adnkronos|date=14 December 2020|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=8 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408150214/https://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/politica/2019/02/15/berlusconi-non-saro-capolista-ovunque-tajani-centro_fLtGqDeAaxclKT3i8qPe4K.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://pickline.it/2019/04/13/verso-le-europee-ecco-i-principali-candidati-dei-partiti-italiani/|title=Verso le Europee, ecco i principali candidati dei partiti italiani|work=Pickline |date=12 April 2019|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415174206/https://pickline.it/2019/04/13/verso-le-europee-ecco-i-principali-candidati-dei-partiti-italiani/|url-status=live |author1=Redazione }} In the election, FI received only 8.8% of the vote, its worst result ever. Berlusconi was one of the party's elected representatives to the European Parliament, and the oldest member of the assembly.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/nba-star-a-tv-chef-and-a-sad-comic-meet-some-of-europes-new-meps-europe-eu-elections|title=An NBA star, a TV chef and a comedian: meet some of the new MEPs|first1=Philip|last1=Oltermann|first2=Shaun|last2=Walker|first3=Angela|last3=Giuffrida|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 May 2019|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901202927/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/nba-star-a-tv-chef-and-a-sad-comic-meet-some-of-europes-new-meps-europe-eu-elections|url-status=live}}

In June, Berlusconi appointed Toti and Carfagna national coordinators, with the goal of reforming and relaunching the party.{{Cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2019/06/19/news/forza_italia_berlusconi_carfagna_e_toti_coordinatori_nazionali-229183695/|title=Forza Italia, Berlusconi: Carfagna e Toti coordinatori nazionali|date=19 June 2019|website=Repubblica.it|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628075525/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2019/06/19/news/forza_italia_berlusconi_carfagna_e_toti_coordinatori_nazionali-229183695/|url-status=live}} However, after a few weeks, Toti left the party in opposition to Berlusconi{{Cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2019/08/01/fi-toti-ognuno-per-conto-suo_d5ac1fcd-9350-4d11-bfb9-704188aff3ec.html|title=Toti: alleati con Lega e FdI, qui vogliamo restare - Politica|date=1 August 2019|website=Agenzia ANSA|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801200619/http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2019/08/01/fi-toti-ognuno-per-conto-suo_d5ac1fcd-9350-4d11-bfb9-704188aff3ec.html|url-status=live}} and launched Cambiamo!.{{Cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2019/08/02/news/giovanni_toti_mara_carfagna_silvio_berlusconi_fi_forza_italia-232634325/|title=Fi, Toti dopo l'addio lancia il tour del suo movimento politico e si rivolge a Salvini. Carfagna resta nel partito|date=2 August 2019|website=Repubblica.it|access-date=11 August 2019|archive-date=11 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811113314/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2019/08/02/news/giovanni_toti_mara_carfagna_silvio_berlusconi_fi_forza_italia-232634325/|url-status=live}} One of the main reasons for the split was Toti's support of an alliance with the League and the Brothers of Italy (FdI) at national-level, about which Berlusconi was reticent and Carfagna against.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2019/08/01/forza-italia-berlusconi-tenta-la-rivoluzione-e-il-partito-implode-toti-lascia-carfagna-tradita-non-faro-parte-del-comitato-di-liquidazione/5362990/|title=Forza Italia implode, Toti lascia: "Ognuno per conto suo, buona fortuna". Carfagna: "Non farò parte del comitato di liquidazione"|date=1 August 2019|website=Il Fatto Quotidiano|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115201825/https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2019/08/01/forza-italia-berlusconi-tenta-la-rivoluzione-e-il-partito-implode-toti-lascia-carfagna-tradita-non-faro-parte-del-comitato-di-liquidazione/5362990/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2019/08/01/giovanni-toti-forza-italia.html|title=Giovanni Toti lascia Forza Italia, i motivi dell'addio al partito | Sky TG24 | Sky TG24|website=tg24.sky.it|date=August 2019|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325114932/https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2019/08/01/giovanni-toti-forza-italia.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Draghi Cabinet}}

In January 2021, Conte's second government fell after losing support from Matteo Renzi's Italia Viva party.{{cite news |last1=Meredith |first1=Sam |last2=Amaro |first2=Silvia |title=Italy's government in crisis after former PM pulls support for ruling coalition |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/13/renzi-italys-government-in-crisis-after-former-pm-pulls-support.html |access-date=13 January 2021 |work=CNBC.com |agency=CNBC International |publisher=CNBC |date=13 January 2021 |ref=Government Collapse 2021 |archive-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219170644/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/13/renzi-italys-government-in-crisis-after-former-pm-pulls-support.html |url-status=live }} Subsequently, President Mattarella appointed Mario Draghi to form a cabinet,{{Cite web|date=3 February 2021|title=Ex-ECB chief Mario Draghi asked to form Italy's next government|url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/03/former-european-central-bank-chief-mario-draghi-asked-to-form-italy-s-next-government|access-date=3 February 2021|website=euronews|language=en|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213130838/https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/03/former-european-central-bank-chief-mario-draghi-asked-to-form-italy-s-next-government|url-status=live}} which won support from FI, the League,{{Cite web|date=10 February 2021|title=Berlusconi e Salvini: "Sostegno a Draghi con responsabilità e senza veti"|url=https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/berlusconi-e-salvini-sostegno-draghi-responsabilit-e-senza-1923011.html|access-date=11 February 2021|website=ilGiornale.it|language=it|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213193147/https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/berlusconi-e-salvini-sostegno-draghi-responsabilit-e-senza-1923011.html|url-status=live}} the PD{{Cite web|date=11 February 2021|title=Zingaretti: "Unità contro chi vuole destabilizzare il Pd. Ora Costituente per riforme in Parlamento"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2021/02/11/news/governo_draghi_zingaretti_partito_democratico_consultazioni-287124139/|access-date=11 February 2021|website=la Repubblica|language=it|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212000635/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2021/02/11/news/governo_draghi_zingaretti_partito_democratico_consultazioni-287124139/|url-status=live}} and the M5S.{{Cite web|date=11 February 2021|title=Dal voto Cinquestelle via libera al governo Draghi con il 59,3%. Di Maio: "Il movimento prende la via europea". Fico: "Niente salti ne buio"|url=https://www.lastampa.it/politica/2021/02/11/news/al-via-il-voto-su-rousseau-fico-voto-si-il-momento-del-paese-e-molto-delicato-1.39887941|access-date=11 February 2021|website=lastampa.it|language=it-IT|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213131123/https://www.lastampa.it/politica/2021/02/11/news/al-via-il-voto-su-rousseau-fico-voto-si-il-momento-del-paese-e-molto-delicato-1.39887941|url-status=live}} FI was given three ministers in the new government: Renato Brunetta at Public Administration, Mariastella Gelmini at Regional Affairs and Mara Carfagna at the South.

In July 2022, the M5S did not participate in a Senate's confidence vote on a government bill. Prime Minister Draghi offered his resignation, which was rejected by President Mattarella.{{cite news |title=Italian government on brink of collapse amid fears Mario Draghi could resign |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/14/italian-coalition-faces-collapse-five-star-sits-out-confidence-vote-mario-draghi |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=14 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720203751/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/14/italian-coalition-faces-collapse-five-star-sits-out-confidence-vote-mario-draghi |url-status=live }} After a few days, Draghi sought a confidence vote again to secure the government majority supporting his cabinet, while rejecting the proposal put forward by Lega and FI of a new government without the M5S.{{cite web | url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2022/07/20/news/risoluzione_centrodestra_draghi-358531252/ | title=Perché per il premier era inaccettabile la richiesta di Lega e FI | date=20 July 2022 | access-date=29 July 2022 | archive-date=21 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172313/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2022/07/20/news/risoluzione_centrodestra_draghi-358531252/ | url-status=live }} In that occasion, FI as well as the M5S, Lega and FdI, did not participate in the vote.{{cite news |title=Italy's Mario Draghi expected to resign as prime minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/20/italys-mario-draghi-expected-to-resign-as-prime-minister |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=20 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=21 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721033421/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/20/italys-mario-draghi-expected-to-resign-as-prime-minister |url-status=live }} Consequently, Draghi tendered his final resignation to President Mattarella, who dissolved the houses of Parliament, leading to a snap election.{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/800d1dc1-7d26-41d2-b5ca-3a4850e95b98 | title=Italy president calls snap elections after Draghi quits as PM | newspaper=Financial Times | date=21 July 2022 | access-date=29 July 2022 | archive-date=21 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721154145/https://www.ft.com/content/800d1dc1-7d26-41d2-b5ca-3a4850e95b98 | url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/20/italy-mario-draghi-senate-speech-government/ |title=Italy's Mario Draghi resigns; new elections are set for September |date=21 July 2022 |orig-date=2022-07-20 |author1=Chico Harlan |author2=Stefano Pitrelli |newspaper=The Washington Post |place=Washington, D.C. |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=1330888409 |access-date=29 July 2022 |archive-date=21 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721130655/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/20/italy-mario-draghi-senate-speech-government/ |url-status=live }}{{WaPoCheckDates}} The party's abstention led some leading members of FI, notably including the three ministers Brunetta, Gelmini and Carfagna, to leave the party.{{cite web | url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/gelmini-lascia-forza-italia-via-resa-conti-draghiani-e-sovranisti-AEHZ0qnB | title=Forza Italia: Gelmini e Brunetta lasciano, Carfagna "prende distanze". Resa dei conti draghiani-sovranisti | date=20 July 2022 | access-date=29 July 2022 | archive-date=29 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729053446/https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/gelmini-lascia-forza-italia-via-resa-conti-draghiani-e-sovranisti-AEHZ0qnB | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2022/07/26/news/carfagna_lascia_fi_no_a_salti_nel_buio_il_paese_prima_di_tutto-359183179 | title=Carfagna lascia Forza Italia: "No a salti nel buio, il Paese prima di tutto" | date=25 July 2022 | access-date=29 July 2022 | archive-date=28 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728023551/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2022/07/26/news/carfagna_lascia_fi_no_a_salti_nel_buio_il_paese_prima_di_tutto-359183179/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.firenzepost.it/2022/07/27/forza-italia-perde-unaltra-deputata-otto-parlamentari-hanno-abbandonato-berlusconi-dopo-la-non-fiducia-a-draghi | title=Forza Italia perde un'altra deputata. Otto parlamentari hanno abbandonato Berlusconi dopo la non fiducia a Draghi | date=27 July 2022 | access-date=29 July 2022 | archive-date=28 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728205258/https://www.firenzepost.it/2022/07/27/forza-italia-perde-unaltra-deputata-otto-parlamentari-hanno-abbandonato-berlusconi-dopo-la-non-fiducia-a-draghi/ | url-status=live }}

In the 2022 general election, FI, which was part of the winning centre-right coalition, won 8.1% of the vote, compared to FdI's 26.0% and the League's 8.8%. As a result, Giorgia Meloni, leader of FdI, accepted the task of forming a new government and announced the Meloni Cabinet, which assumed official functions after each ministers were sworn in on 22 October.{{cite news|url=https://www.rainews.it/maratona/2022/10/consultazioni-con-il-presidente-della-repubblica-per-il-nuovo-governo-92e01557-486a-43f5-b45d-57207f7f329d.html|url-status=live|title=Il governo Meloni giura oggi al Quirinale|trans-title=The Meloni government swears today at the Quirinale|publisher=RAI|language=it|date=21 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021134007/https://www.rainews.it/maratona/2022/10/consultazioni-con-il-presidente-della-repubblica-per-il-nuovo-governo-92e01557-486a-43f5-b45d-57207f7f329d.html|archive-date=21 October 2022|access-date=22 October 2022|postscript=. Updated as of 22 October 2022.}}{{cite news|url=https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2022/10/21/governo-meloni-ultime-news|url-status=live|title=Nuovo governo, le news. Alle 10 il giuramento di Giorgia Meloni e dei ministri|trans-title=New government, the news. At 10 the oath of Giorgia Meloni and the ministers|website=Sky TG24|language=it|date=21 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021134336/https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2022/10/21/governo-meloni-ultime-news|archive-date=21 October 2022|access-date=21 October 2022|postscript=. Updated as of 22 October 2022.}} FI joined the new government with five ministers, notably including Tajani as deputy prime minister and minister of Foreign Affairs.{{cite news |last=Gagliardi |first=Andrea |date=21 October 2022 |title=Nasce il governo Meloni: ecco chi sono tutti i ministri |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/nasce-governo-meloni-ecco-chi-sono-tutti-ministri-AEDBkTAC |access-date=26 October 2022 |work=Il Sole 24 Ore |language=it |archive-date=26 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026073349/https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/nasce-governo-meloni-ecco-chi-sono-tutti-ministri-AEDBkTAC |url-status=live }}

On 12 June 2023, Berlusconi died,{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65877241 | title=Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86 | work=BBC News | date=12 June 2023 }} leaving the party's future in uncertainty.{{cite news | url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/06/13/the-death-of-silvio-berlusconi-creates-uncertainty-for-his-party | title=The death of Silvio Berlusconi creates uncertainty for his party | newspaper=The Economist }}{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65891251 | title=Italy mourns and asks who will succeed Berlusconi | work=BBC News | date=13 June 2023 }} The Italian government, led by Meloni, proclaimed a national day of mourning for the day of the funeral, also ordering that flags be flown half mast for three days.{{cite web | url=https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/06/12/berlusconi-day-of-national-mourning-for-state-funeral-weds_830f1e90-8f8e-4146-9fbe-b62c53ac18a3.html | title=Berlusconi: Day of national mourning for state funeral Weds - English | date=12 June 2023 }} On 14 June, Berlusconi's state funeral was officiated in the Ambrosian Rite in the Milan Cathedral by Mario Delpini, the Archbishop of Milan; the funeral was attended, among others, by President Mattarella, Meloni and the entire government, as well as opposition leaders and foreign heads of state or government.{{cite web | url=https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2023/06/13/da-mattarella-a-orban-i-leader-al-funerale-di-berlusconi_9658528e-2679-4190-86d8-549c4354da53.html | title=Da Mattarella a Orban, i leader al funerale di Berlusconi - Politica | date=13 June 2023 }}

A few days after Berlusconi's death, the party announced that a national council would be summoned before the end of summer to appoint an acting president and determine the road map toward the national congress that would elect the new party's leadership.{{cite web | url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2023/06/16/news/tajani_forza_italia_marina_berlusconi-404683175 | title=Tajani: "Marina Berlusconi ha ribadito vicinanza della famiglia a Forza Italia". Prove di unità con Ronzulli: "Non litigheremo" | date=16 June 2023 }}

File:Tajani EPP Summit (cropped).jpg speaking at the 2024 EPP summit]]

In July 2023, the party's national council amended the party's statute by removing the post of president, which would be forever associated with Berlusconi (including in the party's symbol), and introducing the post of secretary. Contextually, Tajani was unanimously elected secretary.{{cite web | url=https://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2023/07/15/tajani-elected-forza-italia-secretary_5cbad4fb-a490-49e5-b181-bb45f61008e0.html | title=Tajani elected Forza Italia secretary - English | date=15 July 2023 }}

In February 2024, the party held its first national congress. Tajani was unanimously re-elected secretary, along with four deputy secretaries (Stefano Benigni, Deborah Bergamini, Alberto Cirio and Roberto Occhiuto), while Renato Schifani was appointed president of the national council.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2024/02/forza-italia-riparte-dal-congresso-tajani-guarda-al-centro-2dd81b9b-ddcd-49b4-9b12-0511a8b856e6.html|title=Forza Italia a congresso, Tajani eletto segretario. Metsola: "A giugno vostra voce sia forte"|first=Redazione di|last=Rainews|date=23 February 2024|website=RaiNews}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/forza-italia-tajani-eletto-segretario-quattro-vice-grande-responsabilita-AFOPhLqC|title=Forza Italia, Tajani eletto segretario con quattro vice: «Grande responsabilità»|date=24 February 2024|website=Il Sole 24 ORE}}{{Cite web|url=https://gds.it/articoli/politica/2024/02/24/schifani-nominato-presidente-del-consiglio-nazionale-di-fi-restiamo-il-partito-di-berlusconi-cd85121c-e67f-4c35-8a44-78cb7b88d7db/|title=Schifani nominato presidente del consiglio nazionale di FI: «Ci siamo anche dopo Berlusconi, questo è il secondo miracolo italiano»|date=24 February 2024|website=Giornale di Sicilia}}

In the run-up of the 2024 European Parliament election, FI formed a joint list with Us Moderates,{{cite news |url=https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2024/04/forza-italia-e-noi-moderati-insieme-per-le-europee-tajani-possiamo-superare-il-10-f0ea288c-5a24-42ad-bd67-c53f75a52b1d.html |title=Forza Italia e Noi Moderati insieme per le Europee, Tajani: "Possiamo superare il 10%"|website=Rainews |language=it |date=9 April 2024 }} signed an electoral pact with the South Tyrolean People's Party{{cite news |url=https://www.ansa.it/trentino/notizie/2024/04/16/europee-accordo-forza-italia-svp-per-candidatura-dorfmann_59fc2ad6-70f2-4f06-8b6c-83b83fbea07f.html |title=Europee: accordo Forza Italia-Svp per candidatura Dorfmann|website=Ansa |language=it |date=16 April 2024 }} and welcomed candidates of the Sardinian Reformers.{{cite news |url=https://www.lanuovasardegna.it/regione/2024/04/24/news/europee-accordo-forza-italia-riformatori-il-candidato-per-la-sardegna-e-michele-cossa-1.100511139 |title=Europee, accordo Forza Italia-Riformatori: il candidato per la Sardegna è Michele Cossa|website=La Nuova Sardegna |language=it |date=24 April 2024 }} Additionally, FI or individual FI candidates were endorsed by Coraggio Italia,{{cite news |url=https://corrieredelveneto.corriere.it/notizie/politica/24_aprile_08/patto-europeo-fra-tajani-e-brugnaro-forza-italia-arruola-i-sindaci-civici-158b7609-8233-48d0-8078-ad3069c9cxlk.shtml |title=Patto europeo fra Tajani e Brugnaro: Forza Italia arruola i sindaci civici|website=Corriere del Veneto |language=it |date=8 April 2024 }} the Movement for Autonomy,{{cite web | url=https://www.lasicilia.it/politica/europee-lombardo-trova-lintesa-con-forza-italia-ecco-le-richieste-di-tajani-2105326/ | title=Europee, Lombardo trova l'intesa con Forza Italia: ecco le richieste di Tajani | website=La Sicilia | date=12 April 2024 }} Future Sicily,{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=761162939498495&set=a.266704528944341&locale=it_IT|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}} Christian Democracy,{{cite news |url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2024/05/08/news/toto_cuffaro_maurizio_lupi_140mila_voti_noi_moderati-422869865/amp/ |title=Il "regalo" di Totò Cuffaro a Maurizio Lupi: i suoi 140mila voti a Noi Moderati|website=La Repubblica |language=it |date=8 May 2024 }} New Times – United Populars,{{cite news |url=https://www.radioradicale.it/scheda/727677/tempi-nuovi-popolari-uniti-sostengono-la-candidatura-di-letizia-moratti-alle-prossime |title=Tempi nuovi - Popolari uniti sostengono la candidatura di Letizia Moratti alle prossime Elezioni europee. Intervista a Giorgio Merlo|website=Radio Radicale |language=it |date=3 May 2024 }} other minor or local Christian-democratic groups{{cite web | url=https://www.italpress.com/fi-sottoscrive-manifesto-con-forze-civiche-moderate-per-futuro-del-ppe/ | title=Forza Italia sottoscrive un manifesto con le forze civiche moderate per il futuro del Ppe | website=Italpress | date=29 April 2024 }} and the Transnational Radical Party{{Cite web |last=Fantozzi |first=Federico |date=13 May 2024 |title=In nome di Craxi e Pannella. Il patto (molto ideale) fra Forza Italia e Partito radicale |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.it/politica/2024/05/13/news/in_nome_di_craxi_e_pannella_il_patto_molto_ideale_fra_forza_italia_e_partito_radicale-15859533 |access-date= |website=HuffPost Italia |language=it}} Moreover, a number of former members of Lega Nord, notably including Flavio Tosi (former leader of Liga Veneta, now leader of FI in Veneto), Alessandro Sorte (leader of FI in Lombardy), Roberto Cota (former president of Piedmont), Marco Reguzzoni (former floor leader of Lega Nord in the Chamber of Deputies), Massimiliano Bastoni (former member of Lega Nord's right-wing and leading Padanian nationalist), Matteo Gazzini (outgoing MEP and leader of FI in South Tyrol) and Stefania Zambelli (outgoing MEP), formed, within the party, a coalition named "Forza Nord".{{cite news |url=https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2024/03/26/news/lega_fuoriusciti_forza_italia_partito-422371838/ |title=Forza Nord, l'opa dei berlusconiani sui delusi di Salvini: la regia è di Flavio Tosi|website=La Repubblica |language=it |date=26 March 2024 }} In the election, the party took 9.6% of votes, improving its results from 2019 and electing 8 MEPs.

In September 2024, FI was admitted into the International Democracy Union.{{cite web | url=https://www.idu.org/the-idu-welcomes-new-members-from-italy/ | title=The IDU Welcomes New Members from Italy | International Democracy Union | date=23 September 2024 }}

FI's ideology is similar to that of its predecessor, The People of Freedom (PdL), a big tent Centre-right party including Christian democrats, liberals, conservatives, and social democrats. FI presents itself as a "liberal", "Catholic", "reformist", and "moderate" alternative to the political left in alliance with the political right{{cite news|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/cronache/ecco-dove-va-forza-italia-1250615.html|title=Silvio Berlusconi: "Ecco dove va Forza Italia"|author=Silvio Berlusconi|newspaper=il Giornale|date=25 April 2016|author-link=Silvio Berlusconi|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107222524/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/cronache/ecco-dove-va-forza-italia-1250615.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/09/09/news/berlusconi_fi_centrodestra-175000886/|title=Berlusconi candida Fi alla guida del centrodestra: "Dobbiamo tornare a governare"|author=unknown|newspaper=la Repubblica|date=9 September 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107221536/http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/09/09/news/berlusconi_fi_centrodestra-175000886/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://notizie.tiscali.it/politica/articoli/berlusconi-ora-progetto-governo-liberal-riformatore-centrodestra-00001/|title=Berlusconi:ora progetto governo liberal-riformatore centrodestra|author=Askanews|newspaper=Tiscali|date=2 May 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107221530/http://notizie.tiscali.it/politica/articoli/berlusconi-ora-progetto-governo-liberal-riformatore-centrodestra-00001/|url-status=live}} but not rightist itself.{{cite news|url=http://www.secoloditalia.it/2016/04/berlusconi-chiarisce-non-destra-dove-forza-italia/|title=Berlusconi chiarisce: "Noi non siamo di destra. Ecco dove va Forza Italia"|author=Editorial Staff|newspaper=Secolo d'Italia|date=25 April 2016|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107222551/http://www.secoloditalia.it/2016/04/berlusconi-chiarisce-non-destra-dove-forza-italia/|url-status=live}} The PdL's break-up and the exit of the New Centre-Right (NCD) left FI with a more liberal base. Generally speaking, with the long-prepared return to FI, Berlusconi aimed at returning to the party's "liberal roots"; in doing so, he reinforced his ties with those liberals, like Antonio Martino, who had been marginalised in the PdL,{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/664317a6-d409-11e1-942c-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl |title=Berlusconi seeks return to liberal roots |date=22 July 2012 |publisher=Financial Times}} while losing many of its Christian democrats and conservatives to the NCD. After NCD's internal struggles, its transformation into Popular Alternative (AP) and several splits, some NCD conservatives have returned to FI. In 2015, FI lost several liberal MPs, who formed the Liberal Popular Alliance in support to Matteo Renzi's cabinet.

FI includes several factions and ideological trends. The party's leading faction was long not an organised one: named the "magic circle" by journalists (a reference to a defunct faction within Lega Nord), it was composed of Berlusconi's closest allies, notably including Giovanni Toti, Mariarosaria Rossi, Deborah Bergamini, and Francesca Pascale (Berlusconi's partner).{{cite news|title=Berlusconi e il cerchio magico... scelto da lui|url=http://www.panorama.it/news/politica/diabolus-in-politica/berlusconi-cerchio-magico-scelto-da-lui/|author=Serenus Zeitblom|date=11 April 2015|access-date=5 August 2015|archive-date=19 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819034856/http://www.panorama.it/news/politica/diabolus-in-politica/berlusconi-cerchio-magico-scelto-da-lui/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2016/06/28/news/via-il-cerchio-magico-intorno-a-silvio-di-nuovo-marina-e-confalonieri-1.275331|title=Silvio Berlusconi, le badanti del cerchio magico e le profezie di Veronica Lario|date=28 June 2016|website=l'Espresso|access-date=10 September 2019|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925120718/http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2016/06/28/news/via-il-cerchio-magico-intorno-a-silvio-di-nuovo-marina-e-confalonieri-1.275331|url-status=live}} Since being elected President of Liguria in 2015, Toti became more autonomous from Berlusconi and more and more a strong supporter of closer ties with Lega Nord.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/12430009/silvio-berlusconi-giovanni-toti-forza-italia-matteo-salvini-lega-nord-liguria-ballottaggio.html|title=Un doloroso retroscena. Berlusconi contro Toti, così è finita malissimo|website=www.liberoquotidiano.it|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110171442/http://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/12430009/silvio-berlusconi-giovanni-toti-forza-italia-matteo-salvini-lega-nord-liguria-ballottaggio.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/13239137/giovanni-toti-pontida-salvini-diserta-fiuggi-tajani-berlusconi-pontiere-candidato-premier-.html|title=Sconcerto da Tajani e Cav, Toti sceglie Salvini. Occhio, perché lui corre da solo. Sotto sotto...|website=www.liberoquotidiano.it|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=24 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124120345/http://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/13239137/giovanni-toti-pontida-salvini-diserta-fiuggi-tajani-berlusconi-pontiere-candidato-premier-.html|url-status=dead}} In 2018, Toti lost the title of "political counselor" (the closest thing to a number two so far) and Berlusconi appointed Antonio Tajani as vice president. In 2019, Toti finally left the party.

File:Berlusconi Gelmini Bernini.jpg and Anna Maria Bernini]]

On social issues, most FI politicians are conservative, even though a minority of them can be considered liberal. According to an article from Corriere della Sera, on the so-called "ethical issues" like abortion and LGBT rights, the party aimed at returning to its 1994's original values, including "liberalism, the socialist roots, even the radical component", respected its MPs' "freedom of conscience", and was open to civil unions, while NCD's positions were "closer to those of the European traditionalist right".{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2014/gennaio/04/azzurri_asse_sui_diritti_senza_co_0_20140104_a5011904-750a-11e3-9ec5-05cfbca29500.shtml |title=Pd-azzurri: asse sui diritti (senza Ncd) |date=4 January 2014 |language=it |publisher=Corriere della Sera |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-date=25 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125092145/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2014/gennaio/04/azzurri_asse_sui_diritti_senza_co_0_20140104_a5011904-750a-11e3-9ec5-05cfbca29500.shtml |url-status=live }} In October 2014, Berlusconi personally endorsed Renzi's proposals on civil unions for gays and a quicker path to citizenship to Italian-born children of immigrants;{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2014/ottobre/24/Dico_unioni_gay_ius_soli_co_0_20141024_bc75644c-5b40-11e4-9f79-7fe19c9e0c18.shtml|title="Dico sì a unioni gay e ius soli" Un altro asse Berlusconi-premier|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=27 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027120929/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2014/ottobre/24/Dico_unioni_gay_ius_soli_co_0_20141024_bc75644c-5b40-11e4-9f79-7fe19c9e0c18.shtml|url-status=live}} however, the party remained socially conservative. FI clarified that it considers marriage solely as the union between a man and a woman.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/unioni-civili-confronto-forza-italia-1212810.html|title=Unioni civili, confronto in Forza Italia|first=Fabrizio de|last=Feo|website=ilGiornale.it|date=13 January 2016|access-date=11 November 2017|archive-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111205554/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/unioni-civili-confronto-forza-italia-1212810.html|url-status=live}} The majority of its members voted against civil unions, whereas the NCD voted in favour.{{Cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/16_gennaio_13/unioni-civili-tensione-pd-berlusconi-forza-italia-votera-no-a257b1ce-ba34-11e5-b643-f344dc24c117.shtml|title=Unioni civili e adozioni, Pd diviso Berlusconi: "No al ddl Cirinnà"|date=13 January 2016|website=Corriere della Sera|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119095427/http://www.corriere.it/politica/16_gennaio_13/unioni-civili-tensione-pd-berlusconi-forza-italia-votera-no-a257b1ce-ba34-11e5-b643-f344dc24c117.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/05/11/unioni-civili-ok-al-voto-di-fiducia-369-si-renzi-e-un-giorno-di-festa-le-destre-da-passera-alla-lega-referendum/2717805/|title=Unioni civili sono legge: M5s si astiene. Lega e Fdi contro. Renzi: "E' un giorno di festa". Le destre: "Referendum" - Il Fatto Quotidiano|date=11 May 2016|access-date=11 November 2017|archive-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111204745/https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/05/11/unioni-civili-ok-al-voto-di-fiducia-369-si-renzi-e-un-giorno-di-festa-le-destre-da-passera-alla-lega-referendum/2717805/|url-status=live}} Moreover, the party is critical of teaching gender studies in schools.{{Cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2017/09/24/forza-italia-rilancia-basta-teorie-gender-nelle-nostre-scuoleBologna09.html|title=Forza Italia rilancia|website=Archivio - la Repubblica.it|date=24 September 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061821/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2017/09/24/forza-italia-rilancia-basta-teorie-gender-nelle-nostre-scuoleBologna09.html|url-status=live}} Party members are generally opposed to abortion and seek to limit access to them{{cite web|url=http://www.lanuovabq.it/it/aborto-e-nozze-gay-ecco-come-hanno-votato-gli-italiani-a-strasburgo|title=Aborto e nozze gay, ecco come hanno votato gli italiani a Strasburgo|website=www.lanuovabq.it|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114424/http://www.lanuovabq.it/it/aborto-e-nozze-gay-ecco-come-hanno-votato-gli-italiani-a-strasburgo|url-status=live}} and euthanasia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2017/04/20/italia/la-camera-approva-la-legge-sul-biotestamento-cIKYi117pVXttlXUn0LHbK/pagina.html|title=La Camera approva la legge sul biotestamento. I deputati cattolici: "E' eutanasia"|website=LaStampa.it|date=20 April 2017}} The party has criticised illegal immigration and the way it has been managed by centre-left coalition governments.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/migranti-berlusconi-accordo-libia-lunica-soluzione-1425503.html|title=Migranti, Berlusconi: "Un accordo con la Libia è l'unica soluzione"|first=Giovanni|last=Neve|website=ilGiornale.it|date=27 July 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114259/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/migranti-berlusconi-accordo-libia-lunica-soluzione-1425503.html|url-status=live}} It has also declared itself against the introduction of jus soli in Italy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/ius-soli-berlusconi-cittadinanza-va-meritata-1410991.html|title=Ius soli, Berlusconi: "La cittadinanza va meritata"|first=Luca|last=Romano|website=ilGiornale.it|date=19 June 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114508/http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/ius-soli-berlusconi-cittadinanza-va-meritata-1410991.html|url-status=live}} In addition, the party is opposed to drug liberalisation, which it considers potentially negative for health and not useful for solving criminal matters.{{cite web|url=http://www.forzaitalia.it/notizie/10456/gasparri-il-professor-veronesi-sbaglia-liberalizzare-la-droga-non-indebolisce-la-mafia|title=Forza Italia - Gasparri: Il professor Veronesi sbaglia, liberalizzare la droga non indebolisce la mafia|first=Movimento Forza|last=Italia|website=www.forzaitalia.it|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114427/http://www.forzaitalia.it/notizie/10456/gasparri-il-professor-veronesi-sbaglia-liberalizzare-la-droga-non-indebolisce-la-mafia|url-status=live}} When FI's predecessors were in power, they restricted the legislation on the matter, with the Fini-Giovanardi law.http://www.cesdop.it/public/Scheda%20droga%20e%20legge.PDF {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731181814/http://www.cesdop.it/public/Scheda%20droga%20e%20legge.PDF |date=31 July 2020 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} Finally, FI considers Italy as a country with a Christian civilisation and favours displaying Christian symbols in public places.{{cite web|url=http://www.gonews.it/2017/07/03/esporre-crocifisso-nelle-aule-consiliari-la-mozione-forza-italia/|title=Esporre il crocifisso nelle aule consiliari, la mozione di Forza Italia - gonews.it|date=3 July 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=19 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619233610/https://www.gonews.it/2017/07/03/esporre-crocifisso-nelle-aule-consiliari-la-mozione-forza-italia/|url-status=live}}

On economic issues, FI is more supportive of the private rather than the public sector. It aims at representing business owners' interests and has often advocated for a reduction of taxation, red tape, and public expenditure. One of its latest proposals is the introduction of a flat tax. In addition, FI is more supportive of free trade agreements rather than protectionism.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2017-06-08/berlusconi-no-patrimoniali-e-aumenti-iva-flat-tax-23percento-222013.shtml?uuid=AEsigFbB|title=Berlusconi: "No a patrimoniali e aumenti Iva, flat tax al 23%"|website=Il Sole 24 ORE|date=9 June 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114937/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2017-06-08/berlusconi-no-patrimoniali-e-aumenti-iva-flat-tax-23percento-222013.shtml?uuid=AEsigFbB|url-status=live}}

On foreign policy, the party supports the European Union (EU), despite elements of criticism, NATO, and a close relationship with the United States. FI also seeks good relations with Russia, especially in defence of the interests of Italian companies that export to the Russian market.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/09/17/news/fiuggi_berlusconi_fi_tajani-175731418/|title=Fi, Berlusconi sul palco di Fiuggi. Coro dalla platea: "Un presidente, c'è solo un presidente"|date=17 September 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061815/http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/09/17/news/fiuggi_berlusconi_fi_tajani-175731418/|url-status=live}} The party is a member of the Europeanist, centre-right European People's Party (EPP). Whereas most of its members are supportive of the European Union (EU), the most notable example being Tajani (President of the European Parliament from 2017 to 2019), others are slightly Eurosceptic and have criticised the Euro and Germany's role in the EU.{{cite web |url=http://www.ilfoglio.it/soloqui/10961 |title=Quegli economisti euroscettici (proprio come Berlusconi) |date=31 October 2011 |language=it |publisher=Il Foglio |access-date=22 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514171348/http://www.ilfoglio.it/soloqui/10961 |archive-date=14 May 2014 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/2245081-can-berlusconi-make-eurosceptic-comeback |title=Can Berlusconi make a eurosceptic comeback? |date=26 June 2012 |work=la Repubblica/The Guardian |publisher=Presseurop |access-date=22 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204010744/http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/2245081-can-berlusconi-make-eurosceptic-comeback |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.cityam.com/article/berlusconi-turns-eurosceptic-bid-return-power |title=Berlusconi turns Eurosceptic in bid to return to power |date=18 July 2012 |publisher=City A.M. |access-date=22 January 2014 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202231513/http://www.cityam.com/article/berlusconi-turns-eurosceptic-bid-return-power |url-status=live }} The party refuses the "Eurosceptic" label, while supporting a reform of the EU.{{cite web|url=http://www.eunews.it/2017/06/28/tajani-centrodestra-vince-se-guida-forza-italia-europa-da-cambiare-ma-non-in-discussione/88887|title=Tajani: "Centrodestra vince se guida Forza Italia. Europa da cambiare, ma non in discussione"|author=Paola Tavola|website=Euronews|date=28 June 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701130710/http://www.eunews.it/2017/06/28/tajani-centrodestra-vince-se-guida-forza-italia-europa-da-cambiare-ma-non-in-discussione/88887|url-status=live}} In 2017 Berlusconi reconciled with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and one of the EPP leaders, after years of hostility, re-affirming his support to the European integration and his hostility towards populism.{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/08/18/news/_silvio_pensaci_tu_merkel_e_berlusconi_l_asse_anti-populisti-173281243/|title="Silvio, pensaci tu". Merkel e Berlusconi, l'asse anti-populisti|author=Goffredo De Marchis|newspaper=la Repubblica|date=18 August 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108040212/http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2017/08/18/news/_silvio_pensaci_tu_merkel_e_berlusconi_l_asse_anti-populisti-173281243/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.linkiesta.it/it/article/2017/08/05/berlusconi-abbraccia-la-merkel-e-leuropeismo-ed-era-ora/35136/|title=Berlusconi abbraccia la Merkel e l'europeismo, ed era ora|author=Flavia Perina|newspaper=Linkiesta|date=5 August 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107222359/http://www.linkiesta.it/it/article/2017/08/05/berlusconi-abbraccia-la-merkel-e-leuropeismo-ed-era-ora/35136/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://espresso.repubblica.it/plus/articoli/2017/08/31/news/una-coalizione-piccola-piccola-1.308729|title=Coalizione alla tedesca: la Merkel "riabilita" Berlusconi per un governo Pd-Forza Italia|author=Marco Damilano|newspaper=l'Espresso|date=31 August 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107221452/http://espresso.repubblica.it/plus/articoli/2017/08/31/news/una-coalizione-piccola-piccola-1.308729|url-status=live}}

The electoral results of the FI in general (Chamber of Deputies) and European Parliament elections since 2014 are shown in the chart below.

{{Graph:Chart|width=105|type=rect|colors=#0087DC

|xAxisTitle=Elections

|xAxisAngle=-40

|x=May 2014, Mar. 2018, May 2019, Sep. 2022

|yAxisTitle=% of popular vote

|y=16.81, 14.0, 8.88, 8.11}}

{{Notelist}}

{{notelist}}

;2013–2023

• President: Silvio Berlusconi (2013–2023)
• Vice President: Antonio Tajani (2018–2023){{cite web | url=https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/antonio-tajani | title=Tajani, Antonio nell'Enciclopedia Treccani | access-date=30 October 2022 | archive-date=30 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030200818/https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/antonio-tajani | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2022/10/21/chi-e-tajani-una-vita-tra-forza-italia-e-leuropa_e394db9d-f269-4701-8e10-376fe138fae4.html | title=Chi è Tajani, una vita tra Forza Italia e l'Europa – Politica | date=21 October 2022 | access-date=30 October 2022 | archive-date=30 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030200816/https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2022/10/21/chi-e-tajani-una-vita-tra-forza-italia-e-leuropa_e394db9d-f269-4701-8e10-376fe138fae4.html | url-status=live }}
• Coordinator: Giovanni Toti (2019), Mara Carfagna (2019), Antonio Tajani (2021–2023)
• Deputy Coordinator: Anna Maria Bernini (2021–2023), Alessandro Cattaneo (2023)
• Political Counselor: Giovanni Toti (2014–2018), Renato Schifani (2020–2023)
• Spokesperson: Deborah Bergamini (2014–2018), Giorgio Mulé (2018–2023)
• Organisational secretary: Gregorio Fontana (2015–2023)

;2023–present

• Secretary: Antonio Tajani (2021–present)
• First Deputy Secretary: Deborah Bergamini (2024–present)
• Deputy Secretary: Stefano Benigni (2024–present), Alberto Cirio (2024–present), Roberto Occhiuto (2024–present)
• President of the National Council: Renato Schifani (2024–present)
• President of the National Board: Letizia Moratti (2023–present)
• Spokesperson: Raffaele Nevi (2023–present)
• Organisational secretary: Francesco Battistoni (2023–present)

;Parliament

• Party Leader in the Chamber of Deputies: Renato Brunetta (2013–2018), Mariastella Gelmini (2018–2021), Roberto Occhiuto (2021), Paolo Barelli (2021–2022), Alessandro Cattaneo (2022–2023), Paolo Barelli (2023–present)
• Party Leader in the Senate: Paolo Romani (2013–2018), Anna Maria Bernini (2018–2022), Licia Ronzulli (2022–2023), Maurizio Gasparri (2023–present)
• Party Leader in the European Parliament: Raffaele Baldassarre (2013–2014), Elisabetta Gardini (2014–2019), Antonio Tajani (2019–2022), Fulvio Martusciello (2022–present)

Forza Italia.png|Official logo,
2013–present

FI Berlusconi logo.png|Electoral logo,
2014–2018

Forza Italia Berlusconi 2018.svg|Electoral logo,
2018 general election

Forza Italia Europee 2019.jpg|Electoral logo,
2019 European election

Forza Italia 2022 electoral logo.png|Electoral logo,
2022 general election

Flag of the Forza Italia.png|Party flag

{{Cite web | url=https://www.debaser.it/recensionidb/ID_31707/Renato_Serio_Forza_Italia.htm | title=Renato Serio Forza Italia | date=13 June 2010 | access-date=9 March 2018 | archive-date=5 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142622/https://www.debaser.it/recensionidb/ID_31707/Renato_Serio_Forza_Italia.htm | url-status=live }}
{{small|"Anthem of the Forza Italia"}}

• Berlusconism

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.forzaitalia.it/ Official website]

{{Forza Italia (2013) factions}}

{{Italian political parties}}

{{European People's Party}}

Category:2013 establishments in Italy

Category:Political parties established in 2013

Category:Centre-right parties in Europe

Category:Liberal conservative parties

Category:Christian democratic parties in Italy

Category:Liberal parties in Italy

Category:Populist parties

Category:Member parties of the European People's Party

Category:Parties represented in the European Parliament

Category:Political career of Silvio Berlusconi