Things are going from bad to worse for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after he agreed at a G20 summit to let the International Monetary Fund oversee Italy's books as the debt-ridden country attempts to stave off bankruptcy. When he returned to Rome after making what some called an embarassing concession, the embattled Italian leader faced an open revolt from members of his own party. Berlusconi fired back, rejecting their calls to resign as prime minister. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER, SILVIO BERLUSCONI, SAYING: "No I don't have that feeling and most of all I feel a duty to stay on in this thing which is of great commitment and sacrifice for me because frankly I cannot see in Italy, anyone who would be able to promote Italy's interests in Italy and especially on the international stage." In recent weeks, Italy has seen its cost of borrowing skyrocket. That's raised concerns among Italians that the country will not be able to pay off its massive debt. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, RICCARDO, SAYING: "Bad, bad, bad. I think it will remain bad for quite a long period of time." Others believe it's time for Berlusconi - whose term has been filled with crises and scandal - to finally step down. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, ESTER, SAYING: "We all hope that he will resign, to be honest, because we really can't take it anymore here in Italy." In another troubling sign, the country's finance minister - Guilio Tremonti - refused to publicly support the embattled prime minister. Andrew Raven, Reuters
