EC Vice-President Franco Frattini, also in charge of justice, security and immigration affairs, will be waving good-bye to Brussels to join Italy's pre-election campaign on the side of Silvio Berlusconi. File photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
The European Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini, who hails from Italy, has decided to take a break from his job in Brussels to join his country's pre-election campaign on the side of centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi.
The EU Commissioner for Justice has asked to take unpaid leave from his 51st birthday on March 14 to take part in campaigning until April 14.
"During this time, he will use neither the services nor the human or material resources of the commission," the EU executive's statement said.
Commissioner Frattini was previously a member of Berlusconi's second government, which took office in 2001. He served as Italy's foreign minister from 2002, and two years later was appointed to Jose Manuel Barroso's European Commission team.
Media speculation suggests he could be considered for interior minister in any new Berlusconi cabinet following the April 13-14 snap polls.