Parliament backing paves way for Berlusconi departure

The Italian parliament’s lower chamber today backed an austerity reform package demanded by the EU, paving the way for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to quit.

It is expected that President Giorgio Napolitano will ask respected economist Mario Monti to succeed him.

The Chamber of Deputies passed the measures a day after the Senate cleared them.

Mr Berlusconi has promised to resign once the legislation passed, and a final Cabinet meeting was scheduled tonight.

Mr Berlusconi was expected to tender his resignation to Mr Napolitano soon after.

Italy is under intense market pressure to quickly put in place an effective new government to replace him, one that can push through more painful reforms to cut debt and spur growth.