End game for Berlusconi?
This could be Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's last day in the job as politicians prepare to give final approval to a package of austerity measures.
The Italian Parliament is due to vote on a package later to raise nearly ā¬60bn.
It is expected the Parliament will increase VAT to 21%, and implement a three-year freeze on public sector salaries.
Once the austerity measures are voted through Berlusconi will resign. It is likely that Mario Monti will become Italy's new Prime Minister.
The Head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Legarde has welcomed the progress, saying: "Clarity and credibility is much needed in Italy."
