Member Since: 10/4/2009
Posts: 16,075
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Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has resigned
Quote:
ROME—Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi failed to muster a majority in a key vote in the lower house of Parliament on Tuesday, likely setting in motion a chain of events that could lead to his resignation and the possible formation of a national unity government charged with steering Italy out of the euro-zone debt crisis.
"It is clear the government no longer has a majority," said Pier Luigi Bersani, leader of Italy's biggest opposition party, speaking after the vote.
Mr. Berlusconi's governing coalition garnered 308 votes, seven votes shy of a majority needed in the 630 member-lower house of parliament. That means the parliament approved the routine budget bill that was on the ballot, but only because 321 lawmakers abstained from voting.
With the vote, Mr. Berlusconi could become the highest-profile political victim of the euro-zone crisis that has been ravaging the continent for the past two years. World leaders have been urging the premier to take key steps to reboot Italy's economy, but the government has repeatedly failed to deliver.
But now, Mr. Berlusconi's options are more limited. He is meeting with Italy's head of state, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, to discuss whether he should step down. In such a scenario, Mr. Napolitano would then hold a series of consultation with Italy's main political parties to decide whether to call early elections or form a new government.
"Berlusconi will now reflect on his choices to make," a spokesman for the premier said.
Italy's center-left opposition is planning to present a no-confidence motion against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi if he doesn't step down.
"We're ready to present a no-confidence motion. We are waiting to see if the premier finally decides to step down," a spokesman for the Democratic Party said. The spokesman didn't specify when the party planned to introduce the motion.
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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...LEFTTopStories
UPDATE:
11/12/11 21:50
SkyNewsBreak
Reuters: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has resigned
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embarassment for Europe.
