Europe

Europe

Italian President worries about gov’t stability

12 October 2011 21:16 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano voiced concerns Wednesday on the government’s stability following a parliamentary defeat on the first article of the 2011 budget report, APA reports.

In a statement issued by his office, Napolitano questioned the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi whether the ruling majority was still able to "guarantee compliance with their mandatory obligations" and carry on with the crucial road-map ahead to tackle the financial crisis and bring Italy back on the path of growth.

"It is up to the offices that are constitutionally responsible for the performance of these duties, the Prime Minister and the Parliament to provide a credible answer," said Napolitano.

Noting that the "ruling majority was indeed solid," Napolitano, who met with House President Gianfranco Fini Wednesday to discuss the ongoing situation, stressed that "yesterday’s no vote and the rising political contrasts triggered serious institutional concerns that could not be ignored."

On Tuesday Berlusconi’s coalition suffered a severe blow when the lower house voted against the first article of the government’s 2011 budget report with 290 yes and 290 no votes, while the majority required was 291.

Following the parliamentary defeat and Napolitano’s intervention, Berlusconi has decided to summon an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday to modify the document with which he will attend a hearing at the House Friday to ask for a vote of confidence.