On the contrary, I tried on numerous occasions to convince the American president not to go to war. I did what was within my capabilities to avoid that happening.

With the Neapolitan singer Mariano Apicella he wrote two Neapolitan song albums: Meglio na canzone in 2003 and Lultimo amore in 2006. Firstly he undertook to simplify the complex tax system by introducing just two tax rates (33% for those earning over 100000 euros and 23% for anyone earning less than that figure: anyone earning less than 11000 euros a year would not be taxed).

Although he initially planned to run for a fifth term as Prime Minister as part of the agreement with the Lega Nord he would instead plan to lead the coalition without becoming Prime Minister. Berlusconi then formed his second and third cabinets until 2006. He was criticised for his electoral coalitions with right wing populist parties (the Lega Nord and the neo-fascist National Alliance) and for apologetic remarks about Mussolini though he also officially apologised for Italy's actions in Libya during colonial rule.