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Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party (EPP)
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / picture alliance / dpa
CSU party leader Manfred Weber has defended his support for the controversial politician Silvio Berlusconi in the Italian election campaign.
Its conservative Forza Italia belongs to the group of the European People's Party (EPP) in the EU Parliament and is a "deeply European force," said EPP boss Weber in the ARD "Tagesthemen".
Regarding the CSU leadership's criticism of his support for Forza Italia, Weber said he understood that the chairman Markus Söder was setting the accent "from a Bavarian, from a German point of view".
"But I have European responsibilities." He wanted "that we keep Italy on board," said Weber.
That's why he supports Forza Italia.
It is now up to the President in Rome to set up a sensible government, Weber said.
Italy will do it: "I give those responsible a leap of faith."
Berlusconi's Forza Italia received around eight percent of the vote in Sunday's election.
The party is seeking government participation as part of a right-wing alliance with the Fratelli d'Italia - who became the strongest force - and the Lega.
atb/dpa
