The budget package includes measures to loosen local authorities' control over public-service contracts and liberalise professions. It also includes a plan to privatise public real estate in a way that could relieve pressure on the country's banks, which are large holders of Italian bonds.
The amended budget was backed by Mr Berlusconi's forces. The main opposition Democratic Party abstained from voting, a move of tacit support for a bill that was formally proposed by the government. Senators from Italy of Values, the second-largest party in the centre-left coalition, voted against the bill. Many lawmakers also expect the Chamber of Deputies, or lower house of Parliament, to pass the measures swiftly. The government has scheduled a final cabinet meeting Saturday evening once the parliamentary vote is completed. Mr Berlusconi is then expected to hand in his resignation.
Mr Napolitano, the president, is likely to name former European Union commissioner Mario Monti to head an interim government, though in Italy's volatile political landscape, last-minute changes remain a possibility. Mr Berlusconi, who tried to tackle the crisis with tax increases and spending cuts, has pledged to step down as soon as the measures are approved by the lower house, which will vote on them Saturday. At that point, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano will begin a round of consultations with Italy's main political parties aimed at appointing a new government charged with administering painful medicine to Italy's economy.
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