Berlusconi defiant going into Senate vote on revoking his seat following tax fraud conviction

MILAN – Former Premier Silvio Berlusconi says he will not consider resigning from the Senate before the full chamber votes on ousting him.

The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on removing Berlusconi from his seat due to his conviction for tax fraud, confirmed by the nation's highest court. Berlusconi has no role in government but remains influential in the center-right and the prospect of his removal has raised tensions in the fragile coalition government.

Berlusconi told the Naples daily Il Mattino that he expects "a recognition of his role and political viability" from his allies in government.