Berlusconi tries to wiggle out of latest gaffe

Berlusconi told an Italian radio show that he had jokingly scolded Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for forming "a government that in my opinion is too pink." Zapatero's new Cabinet has nine women and eight men.

"In Italy there is a prevalence of men in politics and therefore it is not so easy to find women who are ready for the government," Berlusconi told the radio station Tuesday. Berlusconi plans to have four women in his 12-member Cabinet.

The comments drew criticism in Spain, with Development Minister Magdalena Alvarez saying: "Many of us women would refuse to work for a government that had Mr. Berlusconi as prime minister."

Berlusconi sought to limit damage Wednesday, saying his words had been incorrectly reported.

"I have greatly appreciated the color pink in that government," Berlusconi told reporters. He said he would pay special attention to the actions of the Spanish government and of its female members.

"It's possible that the female members take a series of measures stemming from the everyday life, from the concrete reality of being a mother, a wife and perhaps also a working woman," Berlusconi said.