Rome: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is supposed to resign on Saturday after the lower chamber of the parliament passed a set of reforms, paving way for an emergency government and ending the 17-year political era in the European country.
Berlusconi agreed to step down once the bill was passed earlier this week when it became clear he could no longer garner support to keep his coalition government intact.
In a statement issued after his final cabinet meeting, Berlusconi confirmed he would go to see President Giorgio Napolitano to hand in his resignation, bringing an end to one of the most scandal-plagued periods in recent Italian history.
The definitive approval of the package by the lower house will mark the final act of the Berlusconi government. He is expected to hold a last cabinet meeting and then go to the Quirinale Palace and hand his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano.
His resignation will trigger a series of events over the weekend and most likely conclude on Sunday night or Monday morning with the formation of new government headed by former European Commissioner Mario Monti.
Global markets panicked earlier this week because of the sustained political turmoil in the euro zone’s third largest economy, and Italy’s borrowing costs shot above a “red line” of 7 percent.
On the other side hundreds of demonstrators gathered at government buildings on Saturday celebrating the imminent departure of Berlusconi, who has been Italy’s longest serving prime minister.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription