Berlusconi blunders draw criticism

The Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has again raised eyebrows at a political youth rally over the weekend by saying that women should follow money when looking for a partner.

Berlusconi, who was embroiled in a sex scandal last year and is known for his public blunders, also caused some outrage with a joke about Adolf Hitler's followers urging him to return to power.

The billionaire businessman appeared at a convention of the youth wing of his People of Freedom party.

When questioned by Italian Youth Minister, Giorgia Meloni, he joked about marriages of convenience.

"Women are lining up to marry me, because I'm a nice guy, because I'm loaded, because I know how to deal with women," he added.

The 73-year-old was engulfed in a sex scandal last year centreing on his purported relationships with young women, including an escort.

Berlusconi often gets criticised for his earthy sense of humour, and this time an opposition politician demanded he apologise to Italy's Jewish community for his Hitler joke.