Prodi tested in local polls

Italians voted in local elections in which the centre-left coalition of the Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, was expected to consolidate gains made in first-round ballots two weeks ago.

They are another test of confidence in Mr Prodi's budgetary policies, designed to secure Italy a place in the European single currency. Votes were being cast for the mayors of 43 communal councils, with the key fight in Genoa, which Mr Prodi's Olive Tree coalition failed to take first time round. - Reuters, Rome