Centre - left Democratic Party leader Pier Luigi Bersani , 61 , failed to win election . Cigar - smoking ex - communist has spent career in politics , served in several cabinets . He said he 'd continue Monti 's budget cuts , but that stimulus is needed too . After years of turbulent ex - premier ##s , Bersani is seen as pair of safe seats .
Center-left Democratic Party leader Pier Luigi Bersani , 61 , expected to win election . Cigar-smoking ex-communist has spent career in politics , served in three cabinets . Bersani said he 'd continue Monti 's budget cuts , but that stimulus is needed too . After years of turbulent ex-premier Berlusconi , Bersani is seen as pair of safe hands .