Berlusconi's popularity hits record low.
The prime minister's approval rating fell after he approved a harsh austerity package aimed at cutting public spending.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's popularity has reached 24%, the lowest ever recorded, according to a poll published on Thursday. The premier's approval rating fell after he approved a tough austerity package aimed at cutting public spending.
A survey conducted by IPR with 1.000 people for the left-wing newspaper La Repubblica showed that 24% of Italians have "very" or "quite" confidence in the prime minister, compared to 29% who made the same statement in June.
Meanwhile, the percentage of those who have "little" or "no" confidence in Berlusconi rose from 60% to 64%, according to the survey, conducted on September 13.
The prime minister - who was recently implicated in another sex scandal - is paying the price for adopting a strict austerity package in July and August amid fears that Italy is facing financial problems.
The latest measures include raising the value-added tax (VAT), taxes on the wealthy, and raising the retirement age for women working in the private sector.
The turmoil within the government and the series of disputes between Berlusconi's party and its coalition partner in the opposition, which constantly calls for his resignation, have not eased the pressure on the markets.
Tensions also increased after the release of transcripts of conversations in which the prime minister criticized the country using very impolite language.
Berlusconi's record high in popularity was registered in October 2008, when 62% of Italians were happy with the prime minister, just months after he was chosen to occupy the post for the fourth time.