[ Ссылка ] Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti has said the country would have suffered a crisis like Greece if a tough austerity package had not been introduced.
The measures were hashed out during an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday and presented to parliament on Monday.
"The austerity, which is calling for sacrifices from our country, is fundamental for social fairness and, at the same time, is a launching pad for development. The events of the last months prove that our country's and Europe's destinies are strongly connected," Monti told parliament.
