By Jamie Smith

Ex-EU commissioner Mario Monti is the early favourite to become the next prime minister of Italy after the long-serving incumbent Silvio Berlusconi tendered his resignation on Saturday night.

His convoy through the streets of Rome was booed by crowds who had gathered to show their displeasure with the former prime minister, who has been embroiled in a number of scandals during his time in charge of the European nation.

Senator Bob Lasagna warned that even if Mr Monti is installed as the new prime minister quickly, he may not be able to turn around the country's fortunes as it struggles to cope with a slow recovery from the global recession.

Speaking to BBC News, he said: "There's still a substantial part of Italians who think that they should be given a chance to vote for a government, rather than have a government by imposition."

Nurse Fulvia Roscini brought her son and daughter out on to the streets of Rome to see Mr Berlusconi on his way to resign.

She told the New York Times she did so as she wanted them to see how it was possible Italy could be changed into a different country.