Prodi resigns after just nine months as Italian PM

10.44.37am GMT Thu 22nd Feb 2007

Romano Prodi

Nine months after Italy's closest election Romano Prodi has resigned as Prime Minister. He resigned after a defeat in the Senate over its alliance with the United States and its role in NATO. He lost by two votes, although most of the votes cast were for - abstentions count against in the Italian political system.

The Italian President is rumoured to be considering Prodi to form a new government, and a grouping of core parties in his coalition said last night that they were prepared to back him again. Prodi's spokesman said "He is ready to carry on as prime minister if, and only if, he is guaranteed the full support of all the parties in his majority from now on."

In true Italian style scuffles apparently broke out in the chamber of deputies.