Italian premier complains job is a burden

ROME, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi complained of the burden of working for the government after joking his party should change its name to "Go Pussy."

"Being in government is a great personal sacrifice for me, it's a burden I would gladly do without, but a government crisis is the last thing Italy needs at this time," Berlusconi said Friday.

Berlusconi said he would serve his term as premier until 2013, ANSA reported.

"Early elections are no use to anyone. Only the left is excited by the illusion of taking power. It would only create instability and open new opportunities for financial speculation," he said.

The opposition Democratic Party responded by saying Berlusconi "is the burden the whole country would gladly do without."

Criticism of Berlusconi increased after he jokingly suggested changing the name of his Freedom People party to "Forza Gnocca," or "Go Pussy," The Guardian reported.

"These are not jokes but a reflection of the view that Berlusconi and his coalition have of the country -- backward, vulgar and squalid," said Democratic senator Anna Finocchiaro.

Berlusconi is on trial in Milan for allegedly paying to have sex with an underage prostitute.

The leading Catholic publication "Famiglia Cristiana" told the premier: "If you are not ashamed, we will be ashamed for you. And we will say sorry, in your name, to the whole world."