Berlusconi in appeal for survival
Source: Agencies |
October 14, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi appealed for his political survival yesterday, telling parliament his government is the only credible alternative to help guide the country through the growing sovereign debt crisis.
Berlusconi's three-year-old government faces a confidence vote today that will test whether the premier retains a parliamentary majority. If the vote fails, he must step down.
The crisis was provoked when lawmakers this week blocked routine legislation, which prompted opposition members to demand his immediate resignation.
In a 15-minute address, Berlusconi said he has no intention of stepping down, and that if he loses the confidence vote there will be an election.
He added: "The government asks for a confirmation of confidence because it is deeply aware of the risks facing the country and because the deadlines imposed by the markets are not compatible with those of certain political rituals."
He has resisted calls for new elections as his leadership is weakened by personal scandals, trials and Italy's increasingly precarious financial position.
Three credit rating agencies have downgraded Italy's public debt, one of the highest in the eurozone as it nears 120 percent of gross domestic product.
The vote comes at a crucial moment for Italy, which is under pressure to come up with growth-promoting measures to avoid being dragged into the widening sovereign debt crisis.
Berlusconi's three-year-old government faces a confidence vote today that will test whether the premier retains a parliamentary majority. If the vote fails, he must step down.
The crisis was provoked when lawmakers this week blocked routine legislation, which prompted opposition members to demand his immediate resignation.
In a 15-minute address, Berlusconi said he has no intention of stepping down, and that if he loses the confidence vote there will be an election.
He added: "The government asks for a confirmation of confidence because it is deeply aware of the risks facing the country and because the deadlines imposed by the markets are not compatible with those of certain political rituals."
He has resisted calls for new elections as his leadership is weakened by personal scandals, trials and Italy's increasingly precarious financial position.
Three credit rating agencies have downgraded Italy's public debt, one of the highest in the eurozone as it nears 120 percent of gross domestic product.
The vote comes at a crucial moment for Italy, which is under pressure to come up with growth-promoting measures to avoid being dragged into the widening sovereign debt crisis.
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