Italian Premier Mario Monti's rescue plan is angering unions and causing doubts among some politicians over whether they can completely back the harsh measures meant to avoid financial disaster, according to AP. Silvio Berlusconi, whose resignation paved the way for Monti, an economist, to become premier, huddled into the early hours of Thursday with allies to map strategy. Monti hasn't revealed details, but Berlusconi's conservatives fear a special tax on wealth and the return of a home property tax. Monti announced in Brussels Wednesday his government next week will approve austerity measures and structural reforms aimed at reviving Italy's flat economy. Unions are attacking his vow to overhaul Italy's generous pension system. Center-left politicians are skeptical about making Italians work longer before retiring. The non-elected Monti needs lawmakers' support for his rescue plan.
