国际英语新闻：Berlusconi faces various possible outcomes of confidence vote

Yet local newspapers reported Sunday that five of Fini's 36 supporters in the lower house had indicated an intention to side with Berlusconi.

Berlusconi addressed the parliament on Monday morning, urging lawmakers to let his government stay and offering to reshuffle his cabinet to give posts to parties that would support him in Tuesday's vote.

On Sunday, Fini charged that Berlusconi wanted to stay in power only because as prime minister he enjoys immunity that allows him to avoid possible prosecution on a variety of charges, including influence peddling, cronyism, sex with minors and bribery.

As to what the outcome of Tuesday's vote would be, no clear consensus was reached among political observers.

Some predicted a narrow win by Berlusconi, but also cautioned that during the following months, the government would operate without a strong mandate, which would eventually lead to a new crisis.

Should Berlusconi lose, he must tender his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano, who would then try to determine who might be able to cobble together enough support to form a new government.

It now appears unlikely that Berlusconi would be asked to do so, because his only chance of forming a new majority would be with Fini's help, and Berlusconi has already turned his back on the possibility of Fini playing an increased role.