6:16pm UK, Friday December 17, 2010
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he is sure he will remain in position until the end of his term in 2013 despite only narrowly surviving a confidence vote this week.
The 74-year-old told reporters after a European summit in Brussels: "I am absolutely certain that I will complete the legislature.
"I am certain I have the numbers."
Mr Berlusconi's confident comments come just days after he received a majority of just three votes during a no-confidence motion in parliament.
At least 50 people were injured, including several police officers, after demonstrations, led mainly by students angry at the outcome, escalated into violence.
The PM has seen his personal approval rating fall dramatically after a string of sex scandals and allegations of corruption.
Members of the Italian parliament who were disenchanted with the media tycoon launched a confidence motion in both the upper and lower houses.
As expected Mr Berlusconi received the backing of the Senate, where he enjoys a comfortable majority.
The lower chamber proved to be more of a battleground but the prime minister scraped through.
Youths fight with policemen after Berlusconi wins confidence vote
Mr Berlusconi denied widespread allegations of vote-buying to secure support, with opposition politicians describing the atmosphere in parliament as a "cattle market" or "football transfer season".
"There was no buying of players, I didn't offer jobs in government nor a reward. We only talked common sense," he said.
Speaking from the EU summit, Sky's Europe correspondent Alex Rossi said: "He says he'll cling on until 2013.
"But I think most people looking at Mr Berlusconi now will see elections probably coming up in the second quarter of next year.
"His majority means he's likely to face more no confidence votes in the future."
"Although his personal approval rates have fallen, his party is still reasonably popular in the polls and the left is in something of disarray so he may actually come out and win it," he added.
"But I think a very difficult path lies ahead for Mr Berlusconi."
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