Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's main coalition ally said early elections were the only way out of Italy's political crisis, as the premier and his estranged partners kept up an acrimonious war of words.
Mr Berlusconi has challenged former ally Gianfranco Fini's breakaway group to back a five-point programme at a confidence vote next month or face a vote by December.
Mr Fini's camp retorted at the weekend that it would not accept ultimatums. Umberto Bossi, the outspoken leader of the separatist Northern League party in the ruling coalition, said Italy should now head to the polls, no matter what the outcome of September's confidence vote.
"Berlusconi has said that he has a programme to put to parliament. If they vote in favour, good. Otherwise we go to the polls," Mr Bossi was quoted as saying by newspapers yesterday.
"I think we must to go the polls either way. It seems unlikely that things can continue like this."
Mr Bossi, whose party is expected to make gains in its home base in Italy's north if elections are held, later told reporters that an election must be held without delay.
Mr Berlusconi also appeared to be preparing his People of Freedom party's rank and file for the prospect of elections.
"We need to reorganise the presence of the People of Freedom on our territory," he said in an audio message to his Promotori della Liberta group of party activists.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments