Berlusconi to resign when reforms approved

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has promised to resign after an economic reform bill has cleared Parliament.

The presidential office made the announcement on Tuesday.

President Giorgio Napolitano met Berlusconi earlier in the day after the prime minister lost his parliamentary majority in a vote that was seen as a test of his leadership.

The budget bill was passed when Berlusconi's governing coalition garnered 308 votes, but failed to win a majority in the 630-member lower house. Many lawmakers abstained from voting.

The presidential office said that Berlusconi will submit a letter of resignation to the presidential office when the reform bill aimed at rebuilding the country's economy is approved.

Wednesday, November 09, 2011 07:23 +0900 (JST)