Italy's Berlusconi faces crunch vote, pressure to quit

Crucial vote on public finances could sink Italian prime minister if enough party rebels desert him

1 of 6

People take part in a rally against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Rome. (Source: Getty Images)

2 of 6

The Prime Minister is under massive pressure to resign, amid a crucial vote on public finances in parliament on Tuesday, Nov 8.

3 of 6

Berlusconi has denied reports that his resignation is imminent but the increased political uncertainty in Italy has added to turmoil in Europe

4 of 6

Italy has the third biggest economy in the euro zone and its debt worries are a huge threat in the wider crisis facing the continent's single currency

5 of 6

Berlusconi's failure to adopt reforms swiftly to defuse the debt crisis has fuelled dissent within his party. f he is defeated in today's vote, Berlusconi could either resign immediately or be ordered to call a confidence vote

6 of 6

EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn. Italy this week agreed to have the IMF and the EU monitor its progress in meeting targets on pension, labour and structural reforms