Although he has vowed to leave politics, outgoing Premier Romano Prodi may remain in the public spotlight, perhaps in an international capacity, according to Enrico Letta, who served as cabinet secretary in the Prodi government.
Speaking on the campaign trail, Letta said ''I believe that yesterday (Sunday) Prodi chose his words carefully and confirmed that he views politics as a mission''.
''Prodi is by far the best-connected Italian on an international level and this, in an era of globalization, is essential for our country,'' he added.
Letta also did not rule out that Prodi may work to help the fledgling Democratic Party (PD) ''on a European and international level''.
Although he has decided not to run for office, Prodi for the moment remains chairman of the PD, born through the merger of the Democratic Left and the centrist Daisy parties..
Prodi said in Bologna on Sunday that ''I'm finished with Italian politics and, perhaps, with politics in general''.
Looking towards his future, the three-time premier said ''the world is filled with opportunities and there are many people who need help and peace''.
On Monday, pundits debated what may be in store for the outgoing premier. Some believe that, based on his experience as European Commission president, he may seek the post of European Council president, which under the new Lisbon Treaty will no longer be a rotating position but a permanent one, elected every two and a half years.
Other EU positions in line with his experience include speaker of the EU parliament or 'foreign minister', a job which has also been given a greater role under the Lisbon Treaty.
Prodi could also seek a United Nations position, perhaps even secretary-general, observers said.
According to the Rome daily La Repubblica, after the summer Prodi will set up a foundation which will be linked to leading think-tanks, universities and research institutes around the world.
Through his foundation, La Repubblica wrote, Prodi would follow the examples of Al Gore and Tony Blair.
Prodi, a former 'Mr. fix-it' in the public corporate sector, officially entered politics in 1978 as industry minister. He successfully led two election campaigns and both times defeated his predecessor Silvio Berlusconi.
