Berlusconi faces crucial confidence vote

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.

With an electorate weary of the scandals engulfing the premier and worried about Italy’s economy, Mr Berlusconi is facing repeated calls for his resignation from his political rivals, unions and parts of the business community that once considered him their saviour.