The result was announced slightly earlier than expected, with Mr Berlusconi winning 162 of the 309 votes - 11 senators abstained.

The vote is expected to be extremely close and if Mr Berlusconi loses, it could spark early elections.

On December 13, Mr Berlusconi urged MPs not to jeopardise the country's stability by ousting him. But his critics say he is too mired in personal scandal and corruption allegations to remain in office.

Mr Berlusconi, 74, is halfway through a five-year term but his position has been weakened by the series of scandals, largely involving his relationships with women.