Berlusconi defeated, decides to back Italy government

In a speech to the Senate, Letta hailed his 5-month-old government's successes and outlined his agenda to revive Italy's moribund economy and turn around its record unemployment.

He warned lawmakers that Italy “runs a risk, a fatal risk” depending on the choices they make.

“Give us your confidence to realize these objectives. Give us your confidence for all that has been accomplished,” Letta said to applause. “A confidence vote that isn't against anyone, but a confidence vote for Italy and Italians.”

Entering the Senate, Berlusconi appeared less combative than he has in recent days: “We'll see what happens,” Italian news agencies quoted him as saying. “We'll listen to Letta's speech and then decide.”

Berlusconi's People of Freedom party has been badly divided ever since Italy's high court upheld his tax fraud conviction and sentence in August.