Berlusconi can breathe more easily, say analysts

Silvio Berlusconi has survived what was seen as a major election test - despite suffering a setback by losing control of the province of Rome.

A two-day ballot for 12 provincial governments and about 500 city councils showed support for Mr Berlusconi remaining broadly solid, analysts said.

There had been predictions of a possible backlash against Mr Berlusconi, following the start of a corruption trial and his unpopular support for the Iraq war.

In the end, Silvio Berlusconi doesn't have to fear for his government Analyst Stefano Folli

More than 11 million people - almost a quarter of the Italian electorate - were eligible to vote in the poll.

Left-wing coalition parties won in Rome and four provinces, the right won in four provinces, and three will go to a second round.

Although the left performed strongly in some areas, including Rome, some analysts said Mr Berlusconi could afford to relax.

"In the end, Silvio Berlusconi doesn't have to fear for his government," wrote Corriere della Sera columnist Stefano Folli. "The prime minister can now concentrate on his legal deadlines."

'Painful' loss

In Rome, incumbent Silvano Moffa of the right-wing National Alliance admitted defeat on Monday evening.

His left-wing opponents took more than 53% of the votes, leaving Mr Moffa trailing on about 44%.

The chief campaigner of Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia Party, Claudio Scajola, confirmed in a newspaper interview that losing Rome to the left was "painful".

If the majority of the TV channels weren't inspired by a Ceausescu-style model of information, the Italians would know more about (the left's victory) Piero Fassino Democrats of the Left

Mr Moffa said the Northern League - fellow members of the right-wing governing coalition - were partly to blame for his defeat.

Left-wing leader Piero Fassino of the Democrats of the Left decribed the Rome vote as "extraordinary", but attacked the coverage of the elections on Italian television - where Mr Berlusconi is a major influence.

"This victory is excellent in Rome and good in the rest of Italy. If the majority of the TV channels weren't inspired by a Ceausescu-style model of information, the Italians would know more about it," Mr Fassino said.

Turnout was higher than usual - 75% of voters went to the polls in the mayoral elections, while about 66% turned out to vote for regional and provincial administrations.

It was the first major round of elections since June 2001 when Mr Berlusconi came to power for the second time.

It appears that Mr Berlusconi's allies have strengthened their grip in Sicily, including Palermo province.

'Vote of confidence'

The centre-left looks certain to dominate in the northern city of Massa.

The opposition also fared well in Tuscany - its traditional stronghold.

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says Mr Berlusconi is expected to claim that Italians have given him a vote of confidence as the country prepares to take over the six-month presidency of the European Union.

He says the real winner, however, appears to be the democratic process in Italy.

Although voting figures show a steady decline in most European countries, in Italy the local election turnout remains among the highest on the continent.