End of an era: Berlusconi resigns

END OF AN ERA. Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi arrives at the Lower Chamber in Rome, Saturday. AP/Pier Paolo Cito

ROME–Italy’s presidential palace has confirmed that Premier Silvio Berlusconi has resigned, setting in motion a transition aimed at bringing Italy back from the brink of economic crisis.

Cheers broke out in front of the palace by the hundreds of people who gathered to witness Berlusconi’s final act in office, ending a 17-year political era.