Govt doesn't need Berlusconi's support for reforms - Alfano
Drive to streamline govt 'will go forward' says interior min
07 April, 19:18
(ANSA) - Rome, April 7 - The government does not need the
support of Silvio Berlusconi's opposition centre-right Forza
Italia (FI) party for its ambitious programme of institutional
reforms, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said Monday.Ex-premier Berlusconi has said parts of the government's plans to turn the Senate into a leaner assembly of local-government representatives with blunted lawmaking powers are unacceptable.
And on Monday FI's Lower House whip said Premier Matteo Renzi's had to push through a bill for a new election law by Easter or the party would withdraw its backing for the institutional reforms designed to make Italy easier and cheaper to govern.
"Forza Italia's support is desirable, but it's not necessary," said Alfano, the leader of the New Centre Right (NCD), a group of lawmakers who split from Berlusconi's party when he tried to bring down ex-premier Enrico Letta's government in November.
"The government will go forward and the reform of the Senate will be approved with an absolute majority, even if FI opts out".
