Berlusconi to call vote of confidence

President Giorgio Napolitano expressed deep concern about the viability of Italy’s government yesterday as prime minister Silvio Berlusconi scrambled to quell an internal rebellion by calling a confidence vote.

Mr Napolitano spoke of “acute tensions and uncertainties” in the centre-right coalition.

In an unusually blunt statement, he asked if the Berlusconi government still had the necessary unity to pass urgent measures for the country and demanded Mr Berlusconi offer “a credible response” to the nation.

Mr Berlusconi will address parliament today and ask for a vote of confidence.

The vote will likely be held on Friday. Mr Berlusconi would have to resign if he loses.

Mr Napolitano’s statement was a reference to delayed measures to boost Italy’s slow economic growth, and continuing squabbles over an austerity package to balance the budget.