Italy's new PM Letta says nation will stay 'pro-Europe'

Rome: Italy’s new premier says his broad coalition will work to heal the nation’s finances while encouraging economic growth. [caption id=“attachment_738657” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Enrico Letta. Reuters[/caption] Enrico Letta is laying out his vision Monday of a pro-European Italy focused on spurring investments and job creation. The center-left leader, who has brought media mogul Silvio Berlusconi’s conservatives together in a tense coalition, is seeking support as he faces for confidence votes in Parliament. Appeasing Berlusconi, Letta said Italians won’t have to pay an unpopular property tax this June while a system fairer to the less affluent is devised. Financial markets have already signaled approval of this apparent end of the months-long political deadlock. Letta says he’ll soon go to Brussels, Berlin and Paris to reassure EU allies about Italian economic seriousness. Associated Press