a reporter questioned umberto bossi. the northern league party member said he had asked the prime minister to step down, but did not expect it would happen tuesday. following the vote, berlusconi held a crisis meeting. he had managed to hang on to power many times before, but this time says he will step down when parliament passes the next austerity measures, expected this week. >> the opposition is saying italy risks losing access to financial markets as a result of the political uncertainty in the country. we are joined by a correspondent in rome. is this the end of silvio berlusconi's political career? he has been quite a survivor until now. >> it does look like it, although i would not exclusive -- exclude a last-minute surprise. berlusconi is skillful politically and does not always follow tomorrow what he says he will do today. he has his back to the wall. after tonight's meeting with the italian president, there was a joint communique from the palace which is the official residence of the head of state. it will be

his main political ally umberto bossi of the northern league is calling for and to stop them. later today berlusconi faces a crucial vote in parliament on italy's budget. that is all for the moment. stay with us on bbc world news. there is plenty more to come. >> funding was made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. union bank. and shell. >> this is kim - about to feel one of his favorite sensations. at shell, we're developing more efficient fuels in countries like malaysia that can help us get the most from our energy resources. let's use energy more efficiently. let's go. >> union bank has put its