Embattled Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is set to address Italy's parliament this week and likely to face a vote of confidence that will determine whether his government survives. Berlusconi has been weakened by a sovereign debt crisis threatening to engulf Italy,and by sex scandals and trials in Milan. Recently,his conservative coalition has been bickering over austerity measures. Berlusconi is set to address parliament Thursday. He is expected to seek a confidence vote,likely held the following day. The 75-year-old premier has dismissed calls for his resignation. His five-year mandate expires in 2013. But his support in parliament has eroded. He suffered an embarrassing defeat Tuesday when a routine piece of legislation failed to pass the lower house.
