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The chorus of EU support adds to pressure at home for Monti, 69, to declare his candidacy for elections to be held as soon as February. While Monti’s tax increases and spending cuts have won praise from business leaders and investors, they have deepened the nation’s fourth recession since 2001.
Monti is not likely to reveal his hand until after he resigns as head of a 13-month-old appointed government. The premier has said he will step down as soon as his budget is passed by parliament this week.
Monti was showered with praise yesterday by the leaders of Europe’s conservative parties in Brussels, where he made a surprise appearance after Berlusconi decided to attend. The European People’s Party, which hosted the gathering, called on Monti to run.