Italy's Berlusconi seeks key backing

Rome, Italy (News Today) - Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's prime minister, on Friday challenged Gianfranco Fini, a former ally, and his breakaway faction to renew their commitment to the right-wing coalition by backing the government's latest legislative agenda.

If Mr. Fini and his allies vote against the program in parliament next month the country is likely to face elections before the end of the year, two years early.

"We are ready for early elections, if we are not going to reach the majority that is necessary to bring forward our program," Mr. Berlusconi told a press conference to present his agenda after meeting senior officials of his People of Liberty party .

Taxes, reform of the justice system, fiscal federalism and policies aimed at the south of the country are the four main issues in the political program.

"On these points the People of Liberty asks for a renewed commitment from Parliament in order to grant a rapid, obstacle-free process for the needed reforms," he added.

The program will be presented for a vote of confidence in parliament in what politicians have dubbed "the autumn examination" for Mr. Fini and Future and Liberty, his newly-formed party.

According to the 73-year-old prime minister, if elections were to be called in the next couple of months, the coalition formed by his party and the Northern League, along with smaller right-wing parties, would easily receive more than 50 per cent of the vote.

In recent days Mr. Berlusconi has invited his party members to "bring back to the sheepfold at least one Fini rebel each". It is believed that 12 rebels could be persuaded to vote in favor of the government's program, dividing Future and Liberty and avoiding a final break-up of the right-wing.

"I wish that everyone will be coherent with the electoral mandate," said Maurizio Gasparri, leader of the governing coalition in the Senate.

Constitutionally, a government defeat could lead to elections or to a caretaker government - the decision rests with Giorgio Napolitano, the Italian President.

Mr. Berlusconi effectively lost his parliamentary majority when Mr. Fini led 33 rebels in the lower house and 10 senators to form the new parliamentary group.

Though frequently invoked in the last weeks by MPs close to Mr. Berlusconi, early elections don't seem to be the best solution for Mr. Berlusconi any more.

Opinion polls make his major ally, the Northern League, the strongest single player in the richer Italian regions of the north and some areas in the center, as the ruling People of Liberty party appears to be losing its cohesion.

Source : CNN

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