Poll gamble nearer for Berlusconi

Article reports that Italy moved a step closer on the 4 August 2010 to early general elections after a critical vote in parliament confirmed that Silvio Berlusconi’s government no longer commanded an absolute majority after a split within the prime minister’s party.

BBC News, 5.8.10: Berlusconi tested by split with ally http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10880082

Corriere della Serra, 6.8.10: Berlusconi Counters with Confidence Vote on Four Key Issues http://www.corriere.it/International/english/articoli/2010/08/06/berlusconi-confidence-vote.shtml

ESO: Background information: Berlusconi party implodes over split with Fini http://www.europeansources.info/record/berlusconi-party-implodes-over-split-with-fini/

BBC News, 4.8.10: Berlusconi survives parliament no-confidence vote http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10867004

Corriere della Sera, 4.8.10: Maroni: Situation Out of Hand – Autumn Election if Government Falls http://www.corriere.it/International/english/articoli/2010/08/04/autumn-election-if-government-falls.shtml

Deutsche Welle, 4.8.10: Berlusconi dissenters abstain to avoid electoral showdown http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5866634,00.html

Corriere della Sera, 5.8.10: Berlusconi’s Call to Get Ready for Elections http://www.corriere.it/International/english/articoli/2010/08/05/berlusconi-elections.shtml

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