Silvio Berlusconi has finally ditched an unlikely bid for the Italian presidency, with the billionaire media owner insisting he did have the votes to win but suggesting he could not offer the “unity” the country needs.

The 85-year-old former prime minister had been lobbying MPs to back him for head of state, a position elected by around 1,000 deputies, senators and others in a process that begins on Monday.

But at the weekend he closed the final chapter of a political career spanning three decades, triggering a last-minute scramble to push forward other candidates.

“I verified that there were sufficient numbers to be elected, which moved me,” he said in a statement.

“But today Italy needs unity to combat the grave pandemic emergency and come out of the crisis.”

Mr Berlusconi’s controversial candidacy had been dogged by memories of his notorious “bunga bunga” parties, a tax fraud conviction, and opposition leaders’ accusations of conflicts of interest.

Berlusconi has been in hospital for several days

Family members were also said to be concerned about the toll the stress of the job would take on his health, already undermined by heart problems and several hospitalisations since contracting Covid in September 2020. On Sunday it emerged he had already been in hospital for several days when he announced his withdrawal.

“This is most likely the end of an era for Berlusconi. His influence and health are both waning,” said Erik Jones, director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies in Florence, “What he leaves behind is a center-right that is divided and a wider political system that is in tatters.”

The other prominent candidate for the position is Mario Draghi, the current prime minister.

But as he withdrew, Mr Berlusconi joined calls for Mr Draghi to stay in his current role. The career economist has stayed largely above the political fray and is widely seen as a guarantor of governmental stability.

While many felt he was the best elder statesman to replace Sergio Mattarella, appointed in 2015 and whose seven year term ends in February, others believe the current government could struggle to survive without Mr Draghi in the prime minister’s seat.

A flurry of meetings were held on Sunday as party leaders maneuvered within the newly open playing field, finally cleared from “the Berlusconi obstacle.”

Other potential candidates include former Chamber of Deputies speaker, centrist Pier Ferdinando Casini, and former premiers Giuliano Amato, 83, and Senate speaker Elisabetta Casellati.  

Secret ballots will be cast by a total of 1,009 “Grand Electors” in a process that could take several days.

Though the president’s role is often largely ceremonial, the head of state does have the power to dissolve Parliament, veto ministers, give pardons and is seen as an important arbiter when crisis arises.

“Italy needs a strong guardian for the next seven years. This is the best chance the country has to reform. If they lose it, it is unclear when they’ll get another,” Mr Jones said.