Italy election: Europe jitters over result deadlock
February 26, 2013 22:00
European politicians and markets have reacted anxiously after Italy's general election produced a stalemate between centre-right and centre-left blocs. France and Germany urged continued reform, while Spain described the result as a "jump to nowhere".
Italian markets fell sharply while others in Europe and around the world opened down. Centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi said fresh elections should be avoided, and called for a period of reflection.