Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won a second and final vote of confidence in parliament that shows no need in approving a new government and indicates that there will be no early elections.

"With the two votes of confidence, we have given a show of closeness and cohesion," Mr. Berlusconi said on Thursday after a 170-117 vote in the Senate.

Two parties out of four from Berlusconi’s coalition demanded his resignation after losing 12 of 14 regional elections this month. They also said it is important to form new government mainly focused on helping businesses, the south and low-income families. ``We plan on cutting regional business taxes, but also going ahead with the reduction of the tax burden for less fortunate families,’’ Berlusconi said on Thursday.

Italian economy sees tough times under Berlusconi, being ranked the least competitive among the euro zone nations, according to the World Economic Forum.

The latest poll conducted by SWG Srl and released on April 22 showed that the opposition leader Romano Prodi, once president of the European Commission, would beat Berlusconi with 61% of the votes.