Government officials have announced that 2009’s Group of Eight summit will take place in Italy, on a Mediterranean island called La Maddalena.

La Maddalena is the largest island of the Maddalena Archipelago, situated in the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica and Northeast Sardinia. The place has remained incredibly beautiful and natural, thus being a great tourist attraction.

The Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica quoted Prime Minister Romano Prodi as saying: “The (G8) was never held in Sardinia before. The archipelago is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The leaders will love it.”

The opposition reacted with strong words to the prime minister’s comments. Fabrizio Cicchitto, of the conservative Forza Italia party, said: “Prodi is a liar. It is obvious that he only wanted to impose tight security on the meeting to prevent the assault of violent protesters and extremists.”

The 27th G8 summit, which took place in Genoa, Italy, in 2001, was notoriously violent, as anti-globalization activists filled the streets and rioted. A young man died and many more were injured.

Dozens of police officers as well as state officials are currently standing trial in Genoa for their actions at the time.

Previous G8 summits to have been hosted by Italy: Venice (1980 and 1987), Naples (1994) and Genoa (2001).

Next year’s summit, the 34th, will be hosted by Japan.