Italian Premier Gentiloni wins second vote of confidence

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni, standing at center, speaks ahead of a confidence vote for his government at the Senate, in Rome, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. On Tuesday his government won a vote of confidence at the Lower Chamber, approval from both houses is required for the government to carry on its mandate. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni speaks ahead of a confidence vote for his government at the Senate, in Rome, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. On Tuesday his government won a vote of confidence at the Lower Chamber, approval from both houses is required for the government to carry on its mandate. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

Opposition lawmakers hold up signs with writing reading in Italian "20 MILLION NO" ahead of a confidence vote for Premier Paolo Gentiloni's government, at the Senate, in Rome, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. On Tuesday his government won a vote of confidence at the Lower Chamber, approval from both houses is required for the government to carry on its mandate. At left is Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni has won a second vote of confidence in Parliament, paving the way for his government to lead Italy until new elections, after his predecessor was humiliated at the polls over proposed reforms.

The Senate voted 169-99 Wednesday, a day after the confidence measure easily passed parliament's lower chamber.

Gentiloni now heads to the first major international meeting of his premiership — Thursday's European Council summit — with Parliament's backing and his government in place.

Gentiloni has said his priorities are to spur economic growth in Italy's south, rebuild Italy's earthquake-devastated center, and help lawmakers craft a new electoral law.