Italy's Prodi proposes new presidential candidate

ROME, May 7 (Reuters) Italy's incoming governing coalition put forward a new candidate, Giorgio Napolitano, for the post of President today after outgoing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi rejected its first choice for the post.

Romano Prodi's centre-left Union coalition said in a statement late today that the candidacy of Napolitano, 80, was decided in agreement with Massimo D'Alema, Prodi's previous candidate who was opposed by Berlusconi.

Lawmakers and regional representatives convene on Monday to start voting to elect the head of state.

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