- Title: Italy's govt wins confidence vote amidst coalition tensions
- Date: 7th November 2018
- Summary: ROME, ITALY (FILE - FEBRUARY 2017) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LEADER OF 5-STAR MOVEMENT LUIGI DI MAIO WALKING INTO BUILDING
- Embargoed: 21st November 2018 14:04
- Keywords: Italy's coalition government confidence vote upper house Senate
- Location: ROME, ITALY
- City: ROME, ITALY
- Country: Italy
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA00395I9QH3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Italy's coalition government comfortably won a confidence vote on Wednesday (November 7) in the upper house Senate on a contested security decree amidst growing tensions between the two ruling parties over a raft of issues.
The bill, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who is head of the far-right League, tightens immigration regulations, limits the right to asylum, and bolsters anti-terrorism and anti-mafia rules.
Despite some misgivings within the ranks of the League's coalition ally, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, the government won the vote easily by 163 to 59, with only five 5-Star senators refusing to cast a ballot.
"This is a beautiful day," said a delighted Salvini, who has pinned his credibility on the package, which he says will help cut the number of migrants staying in Italy. Talking of the budget currently under discussion with the EU, he said Italy's economy was healthy and posed no threat to the EU's economic security.
While the security bill caused some internal discomfort, there is greater friction within the government over efforts by the 5-Star to loosen time limits imposed on the prosecution of numerous crimes, including corruption.
Italian newspapers reported on Wednesday growing frustration within both coalition parties.
Asked if he still trusted the League, Infrastructure Minister and 5-Star member Danilo Toninelli said: "For now everything is ok. We begin from different starting points but we find a meeting point."
The bill must now go to the lower chamber for approval. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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