Silvio Berlusconi's party rebels in Italian Senate

Former Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi's party has abstained from a confidence vote in the Senate, sparking warnings of a political crisis.

Prime Minister Mario Monti's government won the vote, but Mr Berlusconi's PDL party reportedly threatened to repeat its rebellion in the lower house.

Mr Berlusconi earlier hinted he might run again in elections next year.

President Giorgio Napolitano said he wanted to avoid a "turbulent" end to Mr Monti's technocratic government.

- BBC