(14 Dec 2010) HEADLINE: Berlusconi survives two no-confidence votes
CAPTION: Violent protests have erupted in Rome after Premier Silvio Berlusconi won back-to-back confidence votes in parliament, narrowly surviving one of his toughest political challenges yet. Berlusconi survived a vote in the lower house by only three votes. (Dec. 14)
Despite protests and even a brush-up in the Parliament, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has won back-to-back votes of confidence.
However - the votes passed by such a razor-thin majority that it's expected he will have a tough time governing.
NAT POP:
Earlier in the day, Berlusconi secured a comfortable victory in a confidence vote at the Senate.
Then all eyes turned to the lower house -- where the vote was expected to be much closer -- and it was.
By only three votes, Berlusconi survived.
NAT POP:
The votes were called following a spate of sex scandals and a breakup with a one-time political ally -- who had urged Berlusconi to resign.
The 74-year-old Berlusconi has faced numerous allegations that he partied with prostitutes and long-standing criticism that he has used his three terms as premier to pass laws to help shield him from his legal woes.
No matter the result of the no-confidence votes -- political leaders in Italy agree that Berlusconi's future remains uncertain -- because he can no longer count on a solid majority in parliament.
APTN STORY NUMBER: 668475
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