European Union
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is facing a significant challenge as his economy minister, Giulio Tremonti, resigned on the eve of a crucial budget meeting with the European Union. The resignation highlights the deep-seated disagreements between Berlusconi's government and the European Union over Italy's budget deficit,
European Union
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was left looking weak and isolated after the ousting of economy minister Giulio Tremonti in a coalition coup. EU Commissioner Mario Monti is under pressure to become Italy's next economy minister, which would give the centre-right coalition some much-needed credibility. Monti's
Murdoch, Rupert
Tony Blair's denial of treating Rupert Murdoch any differently than other businessmen has sparked controversy, with questions remaining unanswered about his involvement in Murdoch's attempt to buy a stake in the Italian broadcasting market. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described as "a joke&
Murdoch, Rupert
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi flew to London over the weekend in a bid to repair his relationship with News Corp's Rupert Murdoch after talks to sell a controlling stake in Italian broadcaster Mediaset collapsed. Berlusconi had rejected a 5.8 trillion lire ($4.88 billion) offer from
Berlusconi, Silvio
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's seven-month-old government is on the brink of collapse as three no-confidence motions are tabled by his nominal allies and the opposition. Despite rumors of his impending resignation, Berlusconi remains defiant, stating that it would be unacceptable to replace his government with those who
Berlusconi, Silvio
In a significant development in Italian politics, the Northern League has presented a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a move that is likely to sink the seven-month-old government to which the League has been a key member. The motion was presented together with the centrist opposition Popular
Prime ministers
Storm clouds gather over Silvio Berlusconi's Government as the lira crashes out of control, and coalition members engage in bitter accusations. Labor Minister Clemente Mastella's comments blaming Jewish lobbies in New York for the lira's problems have further eroded the Government's credibility.
Prime ministers
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media tycoon and prime minister, has suffered a dramatic fall from grace in little over 100 days in office. His initial victory, backed by a $8.8 billion business empire, was overwhelming, but his inability to distance himself from his commercial interests and a series of
