World Bulletin / News Desk

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, the man picked by Silvio Berlusconi as his choice to be Italy's next prime minister, is an affable networker and long-time ally of the billionaire media tycoon.

"He is someone who knows all of Europe," Berlusconi said as he announced his one-time protege as his favoured nominee if the rightwing coalition he heads wins a majority in Sunday's general election.

Sharp-suited and with a fondness for luxury watches, the 64-year-old former journalist helped Berlusconi found the Forza Italia (Go Italy) party which first brought the flamboyant billionaire to power in 1994.

Since then Tajani has quietly grafted a stellar career in European politics spanning over two decades.