He made the announcement Tuesday in the lower Chamber of Deputies, where his coalition has a clear majority. The vote is to be held there Wednesday.

A vote is also to he held in the Senate, where he no longer has a majority. The timing of that vote has not been announced.

Mr. Prodi is seeking the confidence vote following the withdrawal of support from a key ally.

Former Justice Minister Clemente Mastela, who recently resigned in the wake of a corruption scandal, withdrew his Udeur party from the government, causing a shake-up in Prodi's two-year rule.

If Prodi receives a vote of no confidence vote, he would be forced to resign. - Source: By VOA News