Italy election provides test for Monti austerity

ROME - Reuters

Italian voters were expected to deliver their first verdict on Prime Minister Mario Monti yesterday in local elections that are expected to underscore a growing resistance to austerity policies across Europe.

Following the French and Greek results and a state election in Germany which saw a sharp fall in support for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party, the Italian vote will contribute to one of the most comprehensive snapshots of popular mood across Europe since the outbreak of the crisis.

Participation levels in the elections in more than 900 towns in Italy were well down on previous levels after the first day of voting at 48.98 percent, according to interior ministry figures, in line with expectations of higher abstention levels.