 Bossi: Outspoken and controversial |
A key member of the Italian Cabinet, Umberto Bossi, is leaving his post, in another blow to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government. Mr Bossi, head of the populist Northern League party, has resigned to take up a seat in the European Parliament.
His decision was expected amid the recent political upheaval.
The BBC's David Willey in Rome says Mr Berlusconi is looking increasingly beleaguered as he tries to hold his centre-right coalition together.
Combative
Mr Bossi has been convalescing after suffering cardiac failure in March this year.
The politician, known for his volatile outbursts, was regarded as a vital ally of the prime minister - his decision to withdraw support for an earlier Berlusconi government led to its collapse in 1994. "There were considerations of a personal nature, pressure perhaps from his wife, Manuela, and medical reasons," the head of Mr Bossi's office, Francesco Speroni told the AFP news agency.
A statement from the Northern League, which has two other ministers, said it did not intend to bring down the government, although it expected difficult days ahead.
"For this reason, the League's ministers will stay in the government and will keep their word even in the face of obvious betrayal by their allies," party leaders said after a meeting in Milan - an indirect reference to weeks of government rows over the economy and other key issues.
Northern League leaders had accused other coalition members of failing to grant greater autonomy to northern Italy and of forcing the resignation earlier this month of the economy minister Giulio Tremonti.
Maverick
Last Friday, Mr Berlusconi named treasury head Domenico Siniscalco as the new economy minister.
The prime minister caused uproar when he took on the portfolio himself.
Mr Bossi came to prominence in the early 1990s, demanding independence for the wealthier north of Italy from what he decried as the corrupt and squandering rest of the country.
His demands modified over the years to represent a call for greater federal powers for all Italy's various regions.
But he remained outspoken and controversial, lashing out at illegal immigration and continuing to condemn "thieving Rome".
Despite his maverick reputation, Mr Bossi was a faithful Berlusconi supporter during his three years as minister for government reforms, our correspondent says.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
The League's ministers will stay in the government and will keep their word even in the face of obvious betrayal by their allies 
