Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is in danger of rupturing the coalition that brought him to power over his determined effort to reform the country?s labor laws. After initial support, the Democratic Party, representing a large block of Monti?s backing, has begun to show signs of resistance to the proposed restructuring due to pressure from its more leftwing allies in the labor unions. The proposed reforms for easing employers? ability to fire workers have quickly proven to be a flashpoint between members of Monti?s coalition on both the left and right, with the Prime Minister left holding the coalition together while trying to reach an agreement on the reforms by the end of the month.
See "Italy's Monti runs into trouble over labour reform", Barry Moody, March 21, 2012