Erstellt am: 25. 4. 2013 - 15:04 Uhr

Enrico Letta: a "new broom" or an "old dog"?

Reality Check: Italy's prospects for a new government, Rot-weiß-rot Fibel, US-Russia relations, Aleppo's destroyed minaret, 25 years at sea with Greenpeace

Following several weeks of deadlock following inconclusive elections, President Napolitano has asked Enrico Letta of the centre left Democratic Party to form a coalition government.

EPA/MASSIMO PERCOSSI

Can Letta do it better? Enrico Letta has been asked to form a government.

Although some analysts are optimistic that a new government could be announced tomorrow, it is unclear how Letta will succeed where all else has failed.

Younger than many of his rivals, the hope is that Letta could be the "new broom" that will sweep the country clean. However, his connections to Silvio Berlusconi mean he might also be an "old dog" unable to learn new tricks.

Jo McKenna reports from Rome on Letta's background and the difficult challenge he faces.

"Rot Weiß Rot Fibel"

The new handbook for immigrants to Austria, that some are saying is too inviting for foreigners, while others say is just a public relations exercise for the government.

US-Russia relations and the Boston bomber

Paul Rogers looks at the significance for US-Russia relations of the revelation that Moscow had warned the CIA about the Boston Bomber, and the reasons why East-West cooperation on terrorism is so important in the run up to the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Aleppo's destroyed minaret

The social and cultural importance of the destruction of the minaret in Aleppo, that was listed as a World Heritage Site.

25 years with Greenpeace

EPA/Danile Beltra / GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL

The Greenpeace ice breaker Arctic Sunrise travels to some of the world's most inhospitable climates.

Paul Rucizky, the first mate on the Arctic Sunrise, talks about his 25 years at sea with Greenpeace, and some of the fascinating encounters he has had over the years.

While the ship is involved in protests and research, some of his most memorable moments come from the people he has met along the way.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.