Berlusconi tells former ally to back him / Early Italian election draws closer

Article reports that Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister, challenged Gianfranco Fini, a former ally, on the 20 August 2010 and his break-away faction to renew their commitment to the right-wing coalition by backing the government’s latest legislative agenda.

If Mr Fini and his allies vote against the programme in parliament in September 2010 the country is likely to face elections before the end of 2010, two years early.

Subsequently, Mr Fini, gave only conditional support to the legislative agenda that will form the basis of the vote of confidence in the government.

EUObserver, 25.8.10: Berlusconi braces himself for early elections http://euobserver.com/9/30670

ESO: Background information: Italian ‘third pole’ to challenge Berlusconi / Italian president calls for summer truce http://www.europeansources.info/record/italian-third-pole-to-challenge-berlusconi-italian-president-calls-for-summer-truce/

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