Italy's Mario Monti to reveal political intentions

Italy's outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti is due to reveal whether he intends to run for office in elections called for February.

Mr Monti, brought in last year to form a technocratic government, stepped down on Friday after MPs passed his budget.

That came after the party of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi withdrew its support for Mr Monti.

President Giorgio Napolitano has dissolved parliament, paving the way for elections on 24-25 February.

He has called on Mr Monti to remain as head of an interim administration until the elections,

Mr Monti's announcement of his political plans is expected at a news conference in Rome.

He cannot stand for election himself as he is already a senator for life but he could theoretically return as a minister, or even prime minister, by lending his name to an alliance of separate groups or heading his own list.