Italians vote in local elections, test Monti’s austerity programMay 6, 2012 - 18:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italians voted Sunday, May 6 in local elections seen as a test of the country's political mood nearly six months after Prime Minister Mario Monti's government took over and imposed a biting austerity program, AFP reports. Some 9.5 million Italians are voting for mayors and council members in 1,024 towns, including several key urban centers such as Genoa, Palermo, Parma and Verona. The voting continues for a second day on Monday. The vote is the first since the fall of Silvio Berlusconi in November and the ensuing adoption of austerity measures, as well as the resignation of Umberto Bossi as head of Italy's Northern League amid corruption allegations. It also brings to the spotlight several pressing local issues, including local taxes at a time when many municipalities face financial trouble and the country is in the midst of deep austerity cuts. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |