Berlusconi Quits; Hecklers Shout, 'Buffoon!'

Italian Senate Passes Economic Reform Bill

(AP) - Italy's Senate approved crucial economic reforms demanded by the European Union today, the first step in paving the way for Silvio Berlusconi to resign as early as this weekend and a transitional government to be formed. The 156-12 vote took place after respected economist Mario Monti—widely expected to become the interim prime minister—was welcomed with applause in the Senate chamber, where he was officially designated senator for life. More»

Debt crisis throws majority into disarray

(NEWSER) - After barely surviving a confidence vote last month, Silvio Berlusconi may be poised to step down as Italy’s prime minister as soon as today, at least according to two journalists. "That Silvio Berlusconi is about to resign is clear. It is a question of hours, some say of minutes," says an editor with close ties to the PM. But the PM himself denied the chatter on Facebook, writing, "Rumors of my resignation are baseless," reports Reuters . Meanwhile, other insiders tell the Wall Street Journal that Berlusconi will meet with his family and the head of Italy’s top TV broadcaster today to make a decision. More»

Even healthier countries now feeling pinch

(NEWSER) - Financial crises in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal have stoked fears for Italy, Belgium, and the more robust Germany as Europe struggles to find a solution, the New York Times reports. Worry that Germany may have to pay the brunt of bailout costs have prompted the sale of its debt; investor concerns are marked by a euro rapidly sinking against the dollar. More»

From strip joints to Italian cabinet to Strasbourg

(NEWSER) - A bevy of beauties with no previous political experience have been tapped by randy Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi to represent Italy in European Parliament elections, reports the Times of London. But first, they're undergoing a crash course in politics and current affairs. Berlusconi, 72, has surrounded himself with models, stars and strippers, including one he made a cabinet minister, and has been photographed dandling them on his knee. It's not an activity popular with his wife. More»

(NEWSER) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has appalled the world with his crass remarks, yet somehow remains popular at home. "Is there a logic to what might seem like a strange form of Tourette's syndrome?" asks Alexander Stille, analyzing the gaffe-prone pol in The New Republic. The answer to Berlusconi's success seems to be simple enough, Stille concludes: It's Italy itself. More»