Italy's Letta Wins Confidence Vote after Berlusconi Backtracks

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta's coalition government comfortably survived a confidence vote Wednesday, with 235 senators voting in favor to 70 against.

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had initially demanded that five ministers from his centre-right People of Freedom party (PDL) leave the government, prompting the vote.

But Berlusconi backtracked after senators of his center-right People of Freedom Party signaled they would defy his orders and back the government.

The lower house of parliament is still scheduled to vote on a motion of confidence in Letta's government later Wednesday. However, the prime minister has a majority in that chamber and is not in serious danger of losing the vote, CNN informs.

Letta's coalition government was formed in April after two months of political deadlock following an inconclusive election.

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