International Monetary Fund urges more progress on public finance reforms The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday urged the incoming center-right government of Silvio Berlusconi to continue efforts to correct Italy' public finances.

Luxury market unscathed by crisis, Luxottica Boss says The luxury goods sector has been virtually unscathed by the current economic slowdown and decline in spending, according to the head of the Italian eyewear giant Luxottica.

Government bios: ministers without portfolio Following are bios of ministers without portfolio in Silvio Berlusconi's new government.

Mayors can swear at useless contractors, court rules Italy's highest appeals on Thursday ruled that mayors are entitled to swear at companies who fail to carry out services necessary for citizens to go about their daily life.

Napolitano urges mideast dialogue There can be no peace in the Middle East unless Israel's right to exist is universally recognised, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said on Thursday in his address inaugurating the Turin Book Fair.