Berlusconi survived as three opposition members changed the side. by Milota Sidorova

What's happening in Rome is not a game. Those thousands of people marching in the streets protesting against current government of Premier Silvio Berlusconi are not having a great time doing that – they are out because there is no other choice left. Crowds that blocked the Airport in Naples and a stock market in Milan were hoping that this would be the time Berlusconi would fall. The image of corrupted billionnaire and a „weak leader throwing parties all the time“ as presented in WikiLeaks along with the deep crisis that broke out in June would be enough for his failure. But Berlusconi survived both votes. He remained Premier as he got 314-311 votes in lo! wer house. He would have failed if Catia Polidori and two other rebels from opposition didn't change their votes at the very last minute. Three votes ensured Berlusconi to keep on, but it became visible that he didn't have that easy majority in the house and the powers to govern. The atmosphere inside the parliament was tight and after three opposition rebels changed their votes, disturbances took over the room. Lawmakers had to be seduced by ushers and the program could be carried on. Polidori however didn't realize masses outside the building waiting for her house to possibly change the march of the country. She failed, such as Gianfranco Fini, the opposition leader who hoped Berlusconi wouldn't make it that day. Fini got a support, but didn't meet the goal – Berlusconi held the post, but this was not a famous victory, rather a Pyrrhic victory, The results only accelerated violence outside the parliament. Protester set fires in the cars, broke shopping windows and m! et in riots with the police. There were around 90 injured peop! le in th ese clashes and more than 40 arrested. The real thing has just begun.

related story (sgx18766): http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/14/riots-rome-silvi...

by Milota Sidorova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

Cantell TV is the fastest growing provider of digital broadcasting coupled with telecommunications, allowing people to easily control, view, upload and share digital content through proprietary interface coupled with free phone calls. Cantell TV is committed to delivering infinite choices to your world of entertainment at the tip of your fingers.