ROME, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Italian Premier Romano Prodi won a confidence vote in the House Wednesday but is expected to resign after signals he lacked support in the Senate.
Prodi had planned to go to the Senate Thursday to seek its confidence but instead is now expected to tender his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano, ANSA reported.
Napolitano is reported to have suggested to Prodi that he not seek the Senate's confidence if he does not have the majority support necessary.
Should Prodi resign, Napolitano would confer with former heads of state, the speakers of the Senate and House, and political party leaders before making any decision on a successor, the Italian news service reported.
Among Napolitano's options: ask Prodi to try and form a new government or call early elections and asking Prodi to stay on in a caretaker capacity.
