Italy’s new premier wins 2nd confidence vote in his govt
ROME — Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni has won a second vote of confidence in Parliament, paving the way for his new government to lead Italy until it holds a new election.
The Senate voted 169-99 Wednesday in favour a day after the confidence measure easily passed Parliament’s lower chamber.
Gentiloni now heads to the first major international meeting of his premiership — Thursday’s European Council summit in Brussels — with Parliament’s backing and his government in place.
Gentiloni, who served as foreign minister in former Premier Matteo Renzi’s Democratic administration, has said his priorities are to spur economic growth in Italy’s south, rebuild Italy’s earthquake-devastated central section, and help lawmakers craft a new electoral law.