The election result marked a comprehensive rejection of the years of austerity demanded by the EU and IMF in return for the €240-billion bailout.

Italy’s head of state began talks on Sunday to appoint an emergency government to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has repeated promises of economic reform as Italian bonds come under renewed attack in the eurozone crisis.

Italy’s chaotic efforts to pass a new austerity plan have already included disputed figures, policy U-turns and cabinet rows.

A pro-Palestinian flotilla hopes to leave Greece early next week to challenge Israel’s sea blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Europe and the US stepped up pressure on Muammar Gaddafi to quit, while on the ground his forces used their strength to press their advantage.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won a confidence motion in the Senate as expected on Tuesday.