Italy's New Government Wins First Vote of Confidence

Italy's new government, led by former foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni, won its first vote of confidence in parliament on Tuesday.

    The government received 368 votes in its favour, while 105 were against the government, according to the German News Agency (dpa). "I want to state very clearly, on this occasion, that the government, as you know, is ready to intervene, if necessary, to protect the stability of the banks and citizens' savings," Gentiloni said in his maiden speech to the lower Chamber of Deputies. 

    The positive result at Tuesday's vote in the lower chamber was expected, given that Gentiloni's Democratic Party (PD) and its allies have a safe majority. Main opposition parties boycotted Gentiloni's speech, leaving the assembly half-empty.

    A Wednesday vote in the upper house, or Senate, was more uncertain, especially after a small centrist grouping that supported the previous government of Matteo Renzi pulled out of the ruling coalition. But a government rejection was still seen as unlikely.

Source: QNA