 Italy readies for general election amid deep recession February 22, 2013 - 20:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Candidates in Italy's general election are completing their final day of campaigning ahead of two days of voting, beginning on Sunday, February 23, BBC News said. The election is being closely watched in the eurozone, with the Italian government's future commitment to austerity measures under scrutiny. Centre-left candidate Pier Luigi Bersani is currently leading the polls. Coalitions led by current Prime Minister Mario Monti and ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi are also running. The polls suggest there will also be a strong turnout for Beppo Grillo, a popular comedian who has campaigned against the political establishment. The election is taking place amid a deep recession and austerity measures that have caused resentment among Italians. It is being held two months early, after Berlusconi's party withdrew its support for Monti's technocratic government. Monti has introduced cuts to public services in an effort to reduce national borrowing and maintain the confidence of financial markets.   Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
