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’s voting. 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 on 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.
‘We’ve come a long way’
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 for a Cabinet shuffle. He said dialogue with moderates would be possible, but only if they ensured 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 programme, or tap a new premier to lead a new government. — Sapa-AP