World News

Berlusconi Loses Support of His Political Ally

Split in Former Premier's Party Could Strengthen Governing Coalition

Updated Nov. 16, 2013 8:12 p.m. ET

ROME—Former premier Silvio Berlusconi's political heir defected from his center-right party on Saturday to form a new party, reflecting the conservative leader's waning influence and a likely strengthening of the fragile Italian government coalition led by Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

Angelino Alfano, Mr. Berlusconi's chosen successor and secretary of his People of Freedom party, said he was departing and creating a new party called the New Center-Right because he didn't support Mr. Berlusconi's push for early elections....

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