Prodi remains

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi submitted his resignation, but he's not leaving office. A deal has been reached:

Parties in Italy's governing coalition have agreed a deal backing Romano Prodi to continue as prime minister, his spokesman said...

Several of his coalition partners had opposed Italian troop deployments in Afghanistan and plans to expand a US airbase in Italy.

His spokesman said partners had backed Mr Prodi's 12-point political plan.

The deal came as Mr Prodi held late-night talks with leaders of his centre-left coalition partners.

"We have all agreed to the programme so that he can continue to govern," Reuters news agency quoted his spokesman, Silvio Sircana, as saying.

Reports said the 12-point programme included support for Italy's military presence in Afghanistan.

And now? Either Prodi will form a new government or an election will be held. Like I said before, Italian politics never lacks for drama.