Berlusconi wins backing for new government

Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s new government won approval today in Italy’s lower house of parliament, following a combative speech in which he pledged to boost the economy and promised “extraordinary” results ahead of next year’s elections.

The confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies – won 334-240 by the centre-right coalition – came after Berlusconi resigned last week in a bid strengthen his fractious coalition. The Senate, where he also has a majority, was due to vote tomorrow.