Berlusconi in search of last-minute supporters
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Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Monday tried to seek the necessary support to secure a solid majority for Tuesday's parliamentary confidence vote set to decide the future of his government.
After a parallel speech delivered at both the Senate and the House, in which he appealed to all moderates to come over to his side and strengthen the government agenda with a new "pact," the premier made his last try in discussing with his party members a way to avoid the looming crisis.
At an extraordinary summit of the top officials and ministers of the ruling People of Freedom party, Berlusconi repeated his stance to go on.
Rejecting the last proposal from his former allies to resign from office before Tuesday's vote, the prime minister stressed that he will not step down.
While Berlusconi might enjoy a safe victory at the Senate, where he already holds a solid majority, chances are much lower at the House where his survival is apparently linked to a few couple of votes of advantage.
Facing parliament, Berlusconi showed resilience and optimism.
Recalling all the accomplishments of his government, the premier pointed out that Italy was in need of a stable cabinet able to guarantee fiscal discipline and implement the necessary reforms which are crucial to its economic revival.
"It's thanks to budgetary measures implemented by this government that Italy is not suffering anymore from the looming of a dangerous debt risk," he told the parliament.
Appealing to his former allies, the new Future and Freedom for Italy party, the prime minister said: "Disagreements are understandable but a rupture of the moderate coalition is unacceptable."
However, the premier said he was ready to face early elections if he failed in the Tuesday vote.
For Berlusconi, his fate much depends on who will eventually win inside the ruling People of Freedom party and the Future and Freedom for Italy group: the "'hawks" who want early elections and a new government, or the "doves" who wish to reach a last-minute agreement able to save Berlusconi from a fall and maybe assure a government reshuffle that may satisfy all.
Among centrists and liberal groups, the leader of the Centrist Party, Pier Ferdinando Casini, ruled out any possibility of an alliance with Berlusconi and asked him to step down.
However, some of Casini's party members might not agree with him and may vote for the premier.
Analysts believe that alliances and votes may change during Monday night thanks to compromises and fruitful mediations.
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