Most of Ms Gelmini's reforms will be included in two bills that have yet to be formally published.

ECONOMIST: Universities desperately need reform��yet resist change

"It's a problem regarding democracy, and not just Silvio Berlusconi, " Gelmini said, interviewed at the rally by Sky TG24 TV.

NPR: Pro-Berlusconi Rally In Italy Draws Cheers, Jeers

According to Ms Gelmini, 13, 000 junior posts have been advertised in the past seven years, yet 26, 000 have been filled.

ECONOMIST: Universities desperately need reform��yet resist change

Ms Gelmini's supporters hope that she will use it to redress the crippling imbalances in education, which is one of Italy's biggest structural economic weaknesses.

ECONOMIST: Italian education: Schools out | The

Rally participants came "to say a flat 'no' to the political use of justice, " said Mariastella Gelmini, who had served as a Cabinet minister for Berlusconi.

NPR: Pro-Berlusconi Rally In Italy Draws Cheers, Jeers