Italy faces an election by April that could return Silvio Berlusconi, the media tycoon, to power after he blocked attempts to form an interim government.

President Napolitano summoned the speakers of both houses of parliament yesterday and is expected to dissolve the legislature today. He would then, by law, have to call an election within 70 days. April 13 is regarded as the most likely date.

Italy plunged into crisis after Romano Prodi, the Prime Minister, was forced to step down last month by defections in his centre-left coalition. Mr Napolitano asked Franco Marini, the Speaker of the Senate, to see if he could muster enough support for a temporary government.

Mr Berlusconi, 71, sensing a third stint as prime minister, demanded a snap poll. After four days of talks with political leaders, Mr Marini told Mr Napolitano that he had failed to find backing for an interim administration.

Times Recommends

• Henning Mankell: ‘If Wallander was alive, I wouldn’t be a friend of his’
• Secret society's skull and crossbones for sale
• Nigerian leader vanishes after medical treatment