Italian president indicates February 24 election date

Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano speaks at a news conference during his visit in Brdo near Kranj July 10, 2012. REUTERS/Srdjan Zivulovic

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's president gave a strong indication on Wednesday that next year's election would be held in late February, as the country prepares to replace a technocrat government that has ruled for over a year.

President Giorgio Napolitano said he had "taken account" of a recommendation by the interior minister that the election be held on February 24 following two days of wrangling over a budget law that must be passed before parliament is dissolved.