Italian PM Letta to call confidence vote after resignations

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said that he would call for a confidence vote in parliament, most likely tomorrow, to clear up the political uncertainty surrounding his fragile government after the sudden resignation of five ministers belonging to Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right party.

In the vote, "everyone will assume their own responsibility, all above board", Letta said on Italian television on Sunday, shortly after meeting President Giorgio Napolitano.

The unexpected move on Saturday by Berlusconi's allies raised concerns that Italy's troubles may threaten political and financial stability in Europe. Commentators speculated gloomily about how the financial markets would react.

Letta also said he would no longer be bound by the whims of Berlusconi's People of Liberty party, which has been a mainstay of Italy's broad coalition government, formed five months ago after elections in February failed to produce a clear majority.

"I have no intention to govern at all costs," he said on Sunday. "Today the conditions are to have the confidence of parliament - not for three days, but to go ahead and apply a programme."