Berlusconi's key ally revolts

Fini, who was once Berlusconi’s ally, was told to leave his post yesterday by Berlusconi. Fini refused to do so, as around 30 lawmakers have indicated they would be supporting Fini.

The news agency says that with the support of 24 lawmakers from other minor parties, Berlusconi should remain in power.

At a meeting of the PDL (People of Freedom), Berlusconi had said that the price of “obvious divisions” had become too high, rejecting peace offering from Fini.

Newspaper Il Foglio, which happens to be owned by Berlusconi’s brother, said that the prime minister would have to pay a “hefty price” for the fallout. Press commentators have however ruled out the the prospect of early elections, which would occur three years ahead of schedule.

Fini has been a key ally of Berlusconi since the latter entered politics in 1994. Lately, tension and disagreements have been building up between the two. AFP reports that recently, Fini had said that all politicians being pursued at court should resign.

Berlusconi had described Fini’s positions as “absolutely incompatible” with those of the PDL. Fini has refused to resign, saying that the speaker’s job was “not at the beck and call of the prime minister.”

Several of Fini’s supporters said they no long considered themselves members of the PDL and would set up their own group in parliament, AFP reported. Berlusconi expressed confidence that the rupture would not bring down his government.