Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a political crisis as one key ally has demanded that he put his government to a confidence vote while another has raised the possibility of withdrawing from his coalition.
Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini issued the call for a confidence vote next week as Mr. Berlusconi met with his coalition allies to discuss strategy after a crushing defeat in local elections last week. Mr. Fini heads the National Alliance, a junior partner in the ruling coalition.
Officials of another junior partner, the Union of Christian Democrats, said its leaders are considering a withdrawal from the cabinet.
Mr. Berlusconi is struggling to keep his government together, and is suggesting a cabinet reshuffle and review of the government's program.
Coalition parties went down to defeat in 11 of 13 regional elections. Previously, the coalition controlled eight of the regions.