Economy and political parties pressured

• Tweet

ROME, April 17 (UPI) -- Amid concern over the Milan stock market, Italy's political parties have been come under fire following a spate of corruption uncovered by the government.

In the last two weeks, the Milan stock market has suffered steep losses, heightening concern Spain's financial troubles could spread to the rest of the Eurozone. Despite austerity measures passed in December, Prime Minister Marco Monti told ANSA there is still work to be done towards safeguarding Italy's economy.

"The tension of the last few weeks shows that we must not lower our guard," he said. "We have to keep working to put the public finances on a sounder footing and continue with the reforms."

President Giorgio Napolitano also had to reassure the public Tuesday amid widespread skepticism on the honestly of Italy's political parties. Following several recent scandals on all sides of the political spectrum, several of which exposed mafia involvement by public officials, Napolitano assured the public honest politicians still exist.

"[The parties] are not the kingdom of evil, of special calculation and of corruption," he said. "Corruption can always occur and it is always necessary to eradicate it. But even when it seems to spread and become stifling, let's not forget all the past and present examples of political honesty and seriousness, of personal selflessness and application to the problems of the community."