IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Sealed With a Kiss: Italy's P.M. Renzi Wins Confidence Vote

<p>Italy's Matteo Renzi passes his first major test in Rome's parliament.</p>
Image: Italy's PM Matteo Renzi
Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (L) kisses an unidentified colleague during a confidence vote at the lower house of the parliament in Rome February 25, 2014. Renzi won his first confidence vote, pledging to cut labor taxes, free up funds for investment in schools and pass wide institutional reforms to tackle Italy's economic malaise. Facing parliament for the first time, the 39-year-old Renzi -- who is Italy's youngest premier -- sketched out an ambitious program of change in an hour-long speech interspersed with occasional jeers from the opposition benches. GIAMPIERO SPOSITO / Reuters

Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi won his first confidence vote in parliament in the early hours of Tuesday, Reuters reports, pledging to pass wide institutional reforms to tackle the country's economic malaise.

But the boyish-looking 39-year-old -- who has been compared to figures as diverse as Tony Blair and the Fonz -- has had a brief honeymoon period even by the standards of Italian politics, CNBC reports.

His speech in parliament on Monday was derided as "badly mixed minestrone" by an opposition politician.