Italian PM's scandal-hit era expected to come to an end, paving the way for former EU commissioner Mario Monti to take over
Italy is facing up to life without Silvio Berlusconi with an austerity vote at about 4pm expected to bring the curtain down on his 17-year political career, setting in motion a transition aimed at bringing the country back from the brink of economic crisis.
Berlusconi is expected to go to his private residence after the vote and could formally announce his resignation on Saturday evening, paving the way for former European commissioner Mario Monti to take over.
While Monti remained the top choice to steer the country out of its debt woes at the head of a transitional government, Berlusconi's allies are split over who should replace the embattled leader.
It was believed their opposition would not be sufficient, however, to scuttle President Giorgio Napolitano's plans to ask Monti to try to form an interim government once Berlusconi resigns.
It is an ignoble end for the 75-year-old billionaire media mogul, who first came to power in 1994 using a soccer chant, Forza (Go Italy) as the name of his political party and became Italy's longest-serving postwar prime minister.
But his three stints as prime minister were tainted by corruption trials and charges that he used his political power to help his business interests and extend his control of Italian TV and newspapers.
His last term has been marred by sex scandals, "bunga bunga" parties and criminal charges that he paid a 17-year-old girl to have sex, accusations that he denies.
Italy is under intense pressure to quickly put in place a new and effective government, one that can push through even more painful reforms and austerity measures to deal with its staggering debts, which stand at €1.9tn (£1.4tn)
The measures include a rise in VAT from 20% to 21%, an increase in the retirement age and widespread job cuts.
This week Italy's borrowing costs reached record highs, prompting concerns that it could default on the debt.
Stockmarkets received a boost as Italian policymakers approved the financial reforms and Greece moved to stabilise its battered economy, with the new prime minister, Lucas Papademos, being sworn in to head up an interim government.
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