Tens of thousands of opposition activists have demonstrated in central Rome calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has survived a confidence vote in the Italian Parliament.

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi faces a confidence vote in parliament today that is seen as the most serious threat to his political survival since the billionaire media baron was swept into power nearly two decades ago.

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called for a vote of confidence in his government, saying that a collapse of his centre-right coalition now would be catastrophic for the country and its economy.

Violent protests erupted in Rome today after Premier Silvio Berlusconi won back-to-back confidence votes in parliament, narrowly surviving one of his toughest political challenges yet.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi today won back-to-back votes of confidence in parliament but was left with a wafer-thin majority that will make it hard for him to govern effectively.

PROTESTERS from the quake-stricken city of L’Aquila clashed with police yesterday before reaching Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s house to demand more state help to rebuild their lives.