Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi Tuesday urged dialogue with the opposition in order to smooth the way for institutional and economic reforms for the country.
Berlusconi made the statement as he outlined his government's plans before a confidence vote in parliament.
Italy had "no time to lose" in making institutional and economic reforms, he said, calling for dialogue with the center-left opposition on the issue.
Italians sent clear messages in last month's elections that they wanted both the government and the opposition "to do their jobs" in the interests of the nation, the premier said.
Berlusconi praised the opposition's decision to set up a shadow cabinet and said this would be "useful" in finding common ground on "modifications to the institutional apparatus."
"This dialogue must start immediately, right after the confidence vote. We are ready," Berlusconi added.
"This country needs to get back on track because it has everything it needs to do so. This new era of the republic must be one centered on growth," Berlusconi said, adding that he wanted Italy to be "a pillar in the friendship between Europe and the United States."
The confidence vote in the Lower House is expected Wednesday and in the Senate Thursday.
Berlusconi has promised spending cuts but he has also vowed to lower income taxes, raise minimum pensions and abolish council taxes on first homes. He also made a last-minute pledge to abolish automobile and scooter taxes.
Source:Xinhua
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