Berlusconi advises young women to look for rich guys _ like himself

Berlusconi’s advice to women: Marry rich

ROME — Premier Silvio Berlusconi advises young women to look for rich men, saying he knows a few things about women and money.

The billionaire businessman joked about marriages of convenience during a convention Sunday of the youth wing of his party, saying women were lining up for him because “I’m a nice guy” and “I’m loaded.”

He recalled what he described as a much criticized TV interview he once gave. “I said to a girl to look for a wealthy boyfriend. This suggestion is not unreal.”

The 73-year-old Berlusconi was engulfed in a sex scandal last year centering on his purported dalliances with young women, including an escort. Berlusconi’s wife said last year she was seeking a divorce.

The media baron has said he is “no saint” but denied ever paying for sex.