Prodi attacked over economy vote tactics

Romano Prodi, Italy's prime minister, and his centre-left government came under criticism, August 2006, for calling a vote of confidence to ensure parliamentary approval of its economic programme. This is the seventh vote of confience called by Mr Prodi since forming the government in May 2006. Votes of confidence can be used to push through controversial proposals by curtailing parliamentary debate - and thus forestalling divisions within his own coalition..