Rome: Premier Silvio Berlusconi urged lawmakers on Monday to support him
in looming no-confidence votes, warning that bringing down his government would
be "folly" because stability is essential as the country battles economic
crisis.
The embattled Italian leader appealed to a group of rebel lawmakers who have
vowed to try to oust him during Tuesday votes.
He offered to negotiate a new agenda that would allow the government to survive until new parliamentary elections are held in 2013, as well as a Cabinet reshuffle to give government positions to those who support him in the crucial parliamentary test.
"The last thing Italy needs is a political crisis," Berlusconi argued in a
30-minute speech to the Senate.
Berlusconi faces votes Tuesday in both houses of parliament after a dramatic
falling-out with his one-time closest ally, Gianfranco Fini, his party's
co-founder.
Berlusconi was once immensely popular, but his approval ratings have
nose-dived and his political capital diluted amid scandals engulfing his private
life, reports of lavish parties and alleged encounters with prostitutes.
He risks more in the lower house, where the split with Fini has potentially
deprived him of a majority. With the vote expected to be decided by just a
handful of votes, Berlusconi has been trying to persuade undecided lawmakers.
Speculation of vote-buying has been rife, but Berlusconi's allies have rejected
any such accusations.
On Monday, the premier appealed to rebel lawmakers who have sided with Fini by
reminding them of "the long way we have come together."
"I'm certain nobody wants to hastily throw away what we have created together,"
Berlusconi said, mentioning among other things the formation of the People of
Freedom party that they founded together.
"All can be done, save for betraying the mandate of voters," said Berlusconi,
his government partner and close ally Umberto Bossi, leader of the Northern
League, right next to the premier.
He offered to "strengthen the government lineup" - code word for a Cabinet
shuffle. He said dialogue with moderates will be possible, but only if they
ensure support to the government in the votes. He has rejected the requests of
the Fini camp to resign ahead of the parliamentary votes.
If Berlusconi wins, he is assured more time in office, even though a razor-thin
majority is no guarantee of stability. If he loses, he has to resign - a move
that might lead to early elections, though not necessarily.
The decision to dissolve parliament and call an election rests with the
president, Giorgio Napolitano. The president could also ask Berlusconi to form a
new government, possibly with a broadened coalition and a revised program, or
tap a new premier to lead a new government.
