ROME: Premier Silvio Berlusconi stressed the need for economic growth and reform of Italy's aging institutions as he outlined his government's plans on Tuesday before a confidence vote in parliament. Berlusconi sought to restore optimism about the future for Italians, who have been gripped by a sense of malaise and showed little confidence in their politicians. But in his first address to legislators since his election victory last month, he also expressed a need for urgency, saying: "Italy has no time to waste." "This country must get back on its feet," Berlusconi said, using his electoral slogan. "It has all the potential to start a new path and get into a new era, which must be one of growth." The address was uncharacteristically moderate for the 71-year-old media magnate, and won applause even from some of the opposition members. Berlusconi's conservative Cabinet is expected to easily win confidence votes Wednesday in the lower house and Thursday in the Senate, as his forces have comfortable control of parliament.
ROME: Premier Silvio Berlusconi stressed the need for economic growth and reform of Italy's aging institutions as he outlined his government's plans on Tuesday before a confidence vote in parliament.
Berlusconi sought to restore optimism about the future for Italians, who have been gripped by a sense of malaise and showed little confidence in their politicians. But in his first address to legislators since his election victory last month, he also expressed a need for urgency, saying: "Italy has no time to waste."
"This country must get back on its feet," Berlusconi said, using his electoral slogan. "It has all the potential to start a new path and get into a new era, which must be one of growth."
The address was uncharacteristically moderate for the 71-year-old media magnate, and won applause even from some of the opposition members.
Berlusconi's conservative Cabinet is expected to easily win confidence votes Wednesday in the lower house and Thursday in the Senate, as his forces have comfortable control of parliament.
On another note indiscrete cameras caught him exchanging adolescent love notes with two of his cute deputies. Veronica is going to be pissed off.
On a serious note, two Rom camps were assaulted in Naples yesterday and last night by angry crowds over an attempted baby kidnapping by a young Rom girl. Berlusconian zeitgeist.
