Menu
20/04/2005
Berlusconi announces plans to resign
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced that will resign from his post today, in order to form a new government.
Mr Berlusconi was expected to visit President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi today in order to formally tender his resignation.
Mr Berlusconi’s coalition government was weakened when one of the parties – the Union of Christian Democrats – withdrew its support for the government and removed its four ministers from the cabinet. Other coalition parties, the National Alliance and the New Italian Socialist Party, have also reportedly threatened to withdraw from the government. The parties want Mr Berlusconi to change some of his policies.
The crisis follows a poor showing for Mr Berlusconi’s party, Forza Italia, in the recent regional elections.
Mr Berlusconi’s popularity has suffered significant damage recently, mainly due to the country’s slow economy. Italy’s involvement in the Iraq war has also proved to be unpopular.
Mr Berlusconi, who became Prime Minister in 2001, is now expected to attempt to form a new coalition government. He aims to become the first Italian Prime Minister since the end of the Second World War to serve a full five-year term.
Italy’s next general election is due to be held in May 2006. However, if Mr Berlusconi fails to secure a new coalition, the election will be brought forward by a year and some reports indicate that an election could be held as early as June.
(KMcA/GB)
Mr Berlusconi was expected to visit President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi today in order to formally tender his resignation.
Mr Berlusconi’s coalition government was weakened when one of the parties – the Union of Christian Democrats – withdrew its support for the government and removed its four ministers from the cabinet. Other coalition parties, the National Alliance and the New Italian Socialist Party, have also reportedly threatened to withdraw from the government. The parties want Mr Berlusconi to change some of his policies.
The crisis follows a poor showing for Mr Berlusconi’s party, Forza Italia, in the recent regional elections.
Mr Berlusconi’s popularity has suffered significant damage recently, mainly due to the country’s slow economy. Italy’s involvement in the Iraq war has also proved to be unpopular.
Mr Berlusconi, who became Prime Minister in 2001, is now expected to attempt to form a new coalition government. He aims to become the first Italian Prime Minister since the end of the Second World War to serve a full five-year term.
Italy’s next general election is due to be held in May 2006. However, if Mr Berlusconi fails to secure a new coalition, the election will be brought forward by a year and some reports indicate that an election could be held as early as June.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 May 2005
Dozens killed in Baghdad attacks
Another series of attacks on security forces in Baghdad has left as many as 24 people dead. At least 13 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a recruitment centre for the Iraq National Guard. Ten Iraqi police were reported to have been killed during two separate gun attacks, in the west of the Iraqi capital.
Dozens killed in Baghdad attacks
Another series of attacks on security forces in Baghdad has left as many as 24 people dead. At least 13 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a recruitment centre for the Iraq National Guard. Ten Iraqi police were reported to have been killed during two separate gun attacks, in the west of the Iraqi capital.
15 December 2003
Progress made at EU summit despite no agreeement: Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that "progress" has been made at the EU summit, despite talks breaking up without agreement. Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
Progress made at EU summit despite no agreeement: Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that "progress" has been made at the EU summit, despite talks breaking up without agreement. Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
03 July 2003
Schröeder demands apology over 'Nazi' gaffe
The German Chancellor has demanded an apology from Silvio Berlusconi following his 'Nazi' gaff in the European Parliament yesterday. Yesterday the Italian Prime Minister was in Strasbourg to address the European Parliament as his country took over the EU's six-month presidency.
Schröeder demands apology over 'Nazi' gaffe
The German Chancellor has demanded an apology from Silvio Berlusconi following his 'Nazi' gaff in the European Parliament yesterday. Yesterday the Italian Prime Minister was in Strasbourg to address the European Parliament as his country took over the EU's six-month presidency.
10 May 2010
Talks For No 10 Reach Crucial Stage
The third - and possibly final - day of negotiations between the Tories and the Lib Dems has begun. The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, said the parties were "working flat out" to agree on a new government after the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament.
Talks For No 10 Reach Crucial Stage
The third - and possibly final - day of negotiations between the Tories and the Lib Dems has begun. The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, said the parties were "working flat out" to agree on a new government after the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament.
10 March 2006
Italian prosecutors request Mills and Berlusconi face corruption charges
Prosecutors in Italy have asked a judge to allow Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and British lawyer to be tried on corruption charges. It has been alleged that Mr Berlusconi paid Mr Mills around £344,000 in 1997, in exchange for giving false testimony in two corruption trials in the late Nineties.
Italian prosecutors request Mills and Berlusconi face corruption charges
Prosecutors in Italy have asked a judge to allow Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and British lawyer to be tried on corruption charges. It has been alleged that Mr Berlusconi paid Mr Mills around £344,000 in 1997, in exchange for giving false testimony in two corruption trials in the late Nineties.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
