Italy: Parliament Approves Economic Reforms

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Italian lawmakers have approved a package of economic reforms, a step that would pave the way for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign.

Italy’s House of Representatives gave the thumbs up to the fresh economic package that Berlusconi, who has been in power for 10 years, had set as a condition for quitting.

As many as 379 members said “yes” to reforms, while 26 others said “no”, with only two abstentions.

The package includes fresh austerity measures designed to stave off bailout.

Berlusconi was set to resign on Saturday after a parliamentary revolt and a wave of market panic that has shaken the eurozone, leaving an uncertain political future.

He is now expected to announce his exit at a cabinet meeting and then formally submit his resignation to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

Former EU commissioner Mario Monti, a 68-year-old economist is seen as the most likely contender to receive the mandate to form a new government.

Monti enjoys backing from the opposition as well as the business world.

Napolitano would be forced to call early elections if there is no majority behind a transitional government.

KUNA

KUNA is the Kuwait News Agency

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