Pierluigi Bersani, a former communist and economic development minister, promised on Monday a return to “fundamentals” after winning a nationwide vote to become the fourth leader of Italy’s centre-left opposition in two years.

Mr Bersani (pictured) defeated two rivals in a vote on Sunday that was open to all Italians and foreign residents over the age of 16. Democratic party leaders were pleased with a turnout of close to 3m people.