Italy's Renzi promises to pursue reform drive despite obstacles

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi arrives to attend a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Ibrahim Mahlab in Rome, Italy July 24, 2015. REUTERS/Max Rossi

RIMINI, Italy (Reuters) - Prime Minister Matteo Renzi vowed on Tuesday to forge ahead with his reform programme despite growing opposition within parliament, saying Italy had to break free of 20 years of inertia and bickering.

Emerging after the summer break, Renzi dismissed suggestions he might have to hold early elections given the fractured political landscape and promised to deliver on sweeping tax cuts over the next three years.