Italy's new Prime Minister Mario Monti said today his government would implement austerity measures which would be balanced by "growth and equity."
Monti presented his plans to boost the country's economic growth and cut its huge public debt in the Senate today.
His cabinet faces votes of confidence in the upper house later today and in the lower house on November 18.
The new government, which consists of academics and experts and contains no political party representatives, is expected to easily win the vote.
However, thousands of students marched in cities across Italy today to protest against planned spending cuts.
Scuffles between demonstrators and police were reported in several cities, including Rome.
compiled from agency reports
Monti presented his plans to boost the country's economic growth and cut its huge public debt in the Senate today.
His cabinet faces votes of confidence in the upper house later today and in the lower house on November 18.
The new government, which consists of academics and experts and contains no political party representatives, is expected to easily win the vote.
However, thousands of students marched in cities across Italy today to protest against planned spending cuts.
Scuffles between demonstrators and police were reported in several cities, including Rome.
compiled from agency reports