Berlusconi calls for vote of confidence

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.

Under pressure over corruption and sex scandals and facing criticism for his centre-right government’s erratic handling of the economic crisis, Berlusconi has accused the left-wing opposition of “obsessively” seeking to drive him from office.

In an impassioned address to parliament, he said there was no viable alternative to his government and that if it fell now, the only alternative would be early elections.