Berlusconi government wins vote of confidence in Italy's lower house of parliament

ROME: Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi's new conservative government easily won a vote of confidence Wednesday in the lower house of parliament.

The outcome of the vote, which the government won 335-275, was never in doubt because Berlusconi's forces have solid majorities in both houses of parliament. Another confidence vote will be held Thursday in the Senate. The votes of confidence are the last steps before the government can effectively take power.

Berlusconi has said Italy, with its flagging economy and aging institutions, has no time to waste. As he outlined his program, the premier said his government would work to return Italy to economic growth and called for dialogue with the opposition to pass the necessary reforms.

Reaching out to the center-left, Berlusconi struck a non-confrontational tone that is unusual in this country's fierce politics and drew praise from opponents and business leaders.

"There is ample room for convergence and cooperation," Berlusconi told lawmakers. Quoting from the electoral slogan of his main opponent, he quipped: "We can do it."

The reforms are seen as necessary to reduce public spending and speed up decision-making. Italy's institutions were designed after World War II and reflected the country's fears of dictatorship after Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime. As a result, the legislative process is often very lengthy and premiers have little power compared to other Western heads of government.

Once the confidence votes are exhausted this week, the government will get down to working on some pressing issues.

Making good on an electoral campaign promise, Berlusconi will preside next week over a Cabinet meeting exceptionally held in Naples and devoted to the garbage collection crisis in the southern Mediterranean city.

Berlusconi has vowed to clean up the streets of Naples from the tons of trash that have piled up, lamenting the damage to the country's tourism industry and image.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni has been working on new measures on how to increase safety in the streets, following crimes often blamed on foreigners. Maroni is a member of the Northern League party, a key Berlusconi ally that is known for its anti-immigrant views.

Berlusconi, 71, won the general election in April and formed the government last week — the media mogul's third stint in power since 1994.

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