Renzi-Berlusconi pact under fire as Italian vote reform progresses

Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi addresses the European Parliament during a debate on the Italian presidency of the EU for the last six months, in Strasbourg January 13, 2015. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Senate approved Matteo Renzi's electoral reforms on Tuesday, giving the prime minister a boost as he faces criticism from the left of his party over his pact with Silvio Berlusconi.

The bill passed by 184 votes to 66 with many opponents of the reform in the 315 seat Senate opting not to take part in the vote. The bill will now go to the Chamber of Deputies for final approval which is expected in the next couple of months.