Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called on Friday, Nov 16, for a change in economic policy after what he called a "disastrous" year of austerity under the technocratic government of Mario Monti, according to Reuters.

The 76 year-old billionaire's latest attack adds to a series of often contradictory comments he has made in recent weeks that have deepened the political uncertainty before the next election, which is expected to be held in April next year.

Berlusconi's centre-right People of Freedom (PDL) party is expected to choose its candidate to run for Prime Minister after a primary on December 16. It has been deeply divided over whether or not to stick with Monti's economic program.

"The data after a year of technocratic government is disastrous and so I think there absolutely has to be a change in this economic policy imposed on us by Europe and above all by the hegemony of Germany," Berlusconi told reporters.