Italy's coalition government in chaos after three defeats

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http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0721/1224301062774.html

THE CENTRE-right Italian government coalition of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) party and the federalist Northern League yesterday appeared to be in disarray following three consecutive parliamentary defeats in the two turbulent days.

Firstly, government forces twice voted against measures presented by its own environment minister. Last night the Northern League voted with the opposition in favour of the arrest of PDL deputy, Alfonso Papa.

Mr Berlusconi and the PDL had argued against the arrest of Mr Papa, who is under investigation in Naples in connection with the so-called P4 hidden network of power and influence, involving cabinet ministers, police chiefs, newspaper editors, business figures and magistrates. The Northern League, however, under pressure from its grass roots, called for the deputy to be arrested although it left its deputies “freedom of conscience” on their votes.

In theory, the government should have been able to count on a majority of 330-340 votes. Last night, however, it was defeated 319 to 298, thanks to the Northern League vote.