ROME (AP) — Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has convened his final Cabinet meeting before his expected resignation that will set in motion a political transition aimed at bringing back the country from the brink of economic crisis.
Berlusconi met with his ministers Saturday after parliament’s lower Chamber of Deputies passed European-demanded economic reforms. The Senate passed the legislation Friday, kick-starting the final phase of Berlusconi’s 17-year political career.
After the Cabinet meeting, Berlusconi is expected to tender his resignation to the president, responding to weeks of market turmoil over Italy’s failure to rein in its massive debt and spur growth in its stagnant economy.
Economist Mario Monti is expected to be Italy’s next premier.
