Italy's Monti to lead new coalition in polls

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti says he will lead a new centrist coalition in the upcoming parliamentary elections to continue his reform policy.Monti submitted his resignation last week after losing support from the center-right party led by his predecessor Silvio Berlusconi. A general election will be held in late February.

Monti on Friday met officials of centrist parties. He later told a news conference that he is aiming for a second mandate in office.Monti said Italy needs a political coalition that is directed at Europe and at reform instead of the traditional axis of right and left.The main issue in the election will be whether to continue Monti's fiscal consolidation and structural reform policies.

Polls show the center-left Democratic Party has the highest support. The party places importance on economic growth while rebuilding public finances.Then comes the Five Star Movement, which opposes the austerity measures, and Berlusconi's People of Freedom party.Another poll shows a majority of respondents don't want Monti to remain, due partly to the austerity measures.media agencies