Italyâs senate on Friday approved a package of reforms to cut the budget deficit and liberalise the economy, setting the stage for the expected resignation of Silvio Berlusconi as prime minister over the weekend and his replacement by an interim government led by technocrats. Mario Monti, former European competition commissioner and in effect prime minister in waiting, took his place in the senate chamber on Friday morning, his first act in his new life as politician since he was appointed a senator for life by Giorgio Napolitano, head of state, on Wednesday. Senators applauded Mr Monti after a message of welcome delivered by the speaker of the chamber ahead of the debate and vote. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/cdb3a9c8-0c4a-11e1-8ac6-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1dCkKJbrU
Humorous. If anyone actually expects these reforms to be implemented, they are smoking some good shit.