MILAN (AP) — Italian Premier Mario Monti is urging lawmakers to push through reforms to help the country escape the deepening debt crisis and assure international markets that the eurozone's third largest economy will follow words with actions.
Monti addressed the lower house before a vote on anti-corruption measures, and the morning after meeting leaders of three main political forces to urge them to intensify the reform course.
Spain's decision over the weekend to seek a bailout for its banks has heightened pressure on Italy. The Austrian finance minister suggested this week that Italy too will need a bailout, then backtracked under criticism.
Monti has firmly denied that Italy will need a bailout, and told lawmakers that Italy is on much better footing than a few months ago.

