Berlusconi Gov't on the Brink of Collapse

Is this the week that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s government finally falls? Having escaped by the skin of his teeth on several previous occasions, Berlusconi’s parliamentary majority could crumble during a budget vote on Tuesday, and a no-confidence vote may not be far behind. Italian papers estimate between 20 and 40 members of Berlusconi’s majority may rebel—enough to topple his government—and he’s working hard to shore up his support. His likelihood of losing the vote increased on Monday as Italy bond yields soared to near 15-year highs, making the country the biggest threat to the euro zone. Meanwhile, Berlusconi denies that he'll resign.