ROME – Silvio Berlusconi faced two key tests of his support in parliament on Thursday just weeks after he scraped through a no-confidence vote, amid a sex scandal that has hit his approval ratings. A parliamentary committee is set to vote on a federalism law proposed by the right-wing Northern League party, a key ally in the Italian prime minister’s ruling coalition, which has enraged opposition parties.
And the full lower house is due to vote at 1800 GMT on a request from Milan prosecutors for permission to raid various offices linked to Berlusconi as part of their investigation into his alleged dealings with prostitutes. According to the Repubblica daily, the request is likely to be rejected by 316 members of parliament, enough to ensure Berlusconi an absolute majority in the house and offer him some respite amid relentless accusations. Details of the Italian leader’s numerous alleged liaisons with young women are continuing to emerge, driving his approval ratings down to 35 percent, their lowest level ever.
“Berlusconi is a liar,” said Pier Luigi Bersani, head of the main left-wing opposition Democratic Party (PD), accusing the prime minister of deceiving voters over fiscal reforms included in the federalism law. The 30-strong committee on federalism was divided ahead of Thursday’s vote according to the Corriere della Sera daily, with the Northern League threatening early elections for the ailing government in the case of an even 15-15 split.
The municipal federalism law would see power transferred from central government to town mayors, allowing them to directly control taxes and re-invest revenue in their municipality rather than relying on the state. But while supporters say the state will save money through local management, the sceptical left has accused Berlusconi and the League of pushing for a reform that will essentially see a rise in taxes across the board.
