'Italy can't afford an artificial political crisis'
European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday hailed the Italian Senate's vote in favour of the government as "decisive" not just for Italy, but for the eurozone and European
Union as a whole.
In an apparent criticism of former premier Silvio Berlusconi, whose last-minute U-turn effectively saved Prime Minister Enrico Letta's government, Barroso also said the Italian economy could not afford an "artificial political crisis."
"Political stability is vital for Italy and it is therefore very positive that the Italian government will be able to continue uninterrupted with the reforms it has embarked on," the head of the EU's executive arm said.
"It is indeed crucial to avoid an artificial political crisis which can undermine investor confidence in Italy's economic recovery efforts.
"This is of decisive importance, not only for Italy, but also for the eurozone and the EU as a whole," he added.
Berlusconi abandoned his bid to topple the government at the last minute, opting to back a confidence vote after key allies rebelled against his leadership.
Letta, who had been tipped to win with a handful of votes just minutes before Berlusconi's climbdown, ended up sweeping the vote with a crushing majority of 235 senators in favour and 70 against.
The result was cheered by the markets, with shares in Milan jumping 1.45 percent higher after the announcement.
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In an apparent criticism of former premier Silvio Berlusconi, whose last-minute U-turn effectively saved Prime Minister Enrico Letta's government, Barroso also said the Italian economy could not afford an "artificial political crisis."
"Political stability is vital for Italy and it is therefore very positive that the Italian government will be able to continue uninterrupted with the reforms it has embarked on," the head of the EU's executive arm said.
"It is indeed crucial to avoid an artificial political crisis which can undermine investor confidence in Italy's economic recovery efforts.
"This is of decisive importance, not only for Italy, but also for the eurozone and the EU as a whole," he added.
Berlusconi abandoned his bid to topple the government at the last minute, opting to back a confidence vote after key allies rebelled against his leadership.
Letta, who had been tipped to win with a handful of votes just minutes before Berlusconi's climbdown, ended up sweeping the vote with a crushing majority of 235 senators in favour and 70 against.
The result was cheered by the markets, with shares in Milan jumping 1.45 percent higher after the announcement.
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