Italian parliament passes economic measures
Italy's lower house passes economic measures after Grillo lawmakers end 2-day filibuster
Italian Premier Enrico Letta looks down as he attends a session of the Senate, in Rome, Thursday, July 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Mauro Scrobogna, Lapresse)
ROME (AP) -- Italy's lower house passed a series of measures aimed at combatting the economic crisis after opposition lawmakers from Beppe Grillo's 5 Star Movement gave up on a two-day filibuster.
The obstructionist tactics by the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement sets the stage for a difficult two weeks for Premier Enrico Letta's uneasy coalition government. It aims to pass six decrees before September besides a raft of draft laws, including one opposed by Grillo's followers to allow the constitution to be amended. Parliament is set to recess Aug. 8.
The 117 measures passed Friday allow users to access public Wi-Fi points without identification, prohibits the seizure of primary residences and proposes a ceiling for the salaries of heads of public companies.
