Allies defy Berlusconi on key vote

Last updated 1 hour ago

Leading figures in Silvio Berlusconi's own party have defied him by calling on MPs to back the Italian coalition government in a confidence vote.

Angelino Alfano, Berlusconi's deputy and secretary of People of Freedom, urged the party to unite behind Prime Minister Enrico Letta on Wednesday.

Berlusconi appears determined to topple the coalition, after ordering his ministers to leave the government.

But amid signs it would survive, Italian markets jumped on Tuesday.

The blue-chip stock index rose 2.5%, Reuters reports.

U say? Ojoro cancel...