Doubts remain as Berlusconi wins vote
Source: Agencies |
October 15, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ITALIAN Premier Silvio Berlusconi yesterday survived a confidence vote in parliament but his narrow majority raises doubts over his ability to govern effectively when the country needs a steady hand during its economic crisis.
Berlusconi's conservatives won a 316-301 vote in parliament's lower house. After days of tension, the premier's allies applauded when the result was announced.
Berlusconi has been weakened by sex scandals and criticized for his handling of Italy's economy. He has been facing repeated calls for his resignation from his political rivals, labor unions and parts of the business community that once considered him their savior.
Even some of his own allies have openly expressed disappointment, with two deserting the crucial vote yesterday.
Had he lost the vote of confidence, Berlusconi would have been forced to resign - about one and a half years before the end of his term in 2013.
Three ratings agencies have downgraded Italy's public debt, citing the country's political gridlock and low growth prospects as key reasons.
Sony Kapoor, managing director of Re-Define an Economic Think Tank, said of the vote is bad for Italy and for the European financial crisis.
He added: "The best signal that Italy could have sent to the markets would have been to boot Berlusconi out, but it has failed to do so."
The 75-year-old leader has insisted there is no alternative to his government, and has resisted calls to resign.
He said yesterday the "ambush" by the opposition had failed, and moments after the vote, he spoke to reporters about his plan to spur the country's slow growth.
Berlusconi's conservatives won a 316-301 vote in parliament's lower house. After days of tension, the premier's allies applauded when the result was announced.
Berlusconi has been weakened by sex scandals and criticized for his handling of Italy's economy. He has been facing repeated calls for his resignation from his political rivals, labor unions and parts of the business community that once considered him their savior.
Even some of his own allies have openly expressed disappointment, with two deserting the crucial vote yesterday.
Had he lost the vote of confidence, Berlusconi would have been forced to resign - about one and a half years before the end of his term in 2013.
Three ratings agencies have downgraded Italy's public debt, citing the country's political gridlock and low growth prospects as key reasons.
Sony Kapoor, managing director of Re-Define an Economic Think Tank, said of the vote is bad for Italy and for the European financial crisis.
He added: "The best signal that Italy could have sent to the markets would have been to boot Berlusconi out, but it has failed to do so."
The 75-year-old leader has insisted there is no alternative to his government, and has resisted calls to resign.
He said yesterday the "ambush" by the opposition had failed, and moments after the vote, he spoke to reporters about his plan to spur the country's slow growth.
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