Berlusconiin vote of confidence

ITALIAN Premier Silvio Berlusconi, fighting to survive the worst political crisis of his four-year tenure, will put his government to a vote of confidence this week, officials said yesterday.

He has been clinging to power since his coalition was heavily defeated at this month’s regional elections. Even his allies have called for his resignation.

The vote is scheduled for tomorrow, parliament officials said. If he loses, the government must resign. Mr Berlusconi's coalition has enjoyed a solid majority in parliament and may still have the numbers to survive the vote.