There are rumors that Silvio Berlusconi, like the phoenix of old, is rising from the ashes and closing the gap, perhaps forcing the necessity of an alliance with his rivals and Prime Minister Mario Monti.

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Many in Mr de la Rua's Alliance, including Mr Alfonsin, argue that the budget gap should be closed by increasing taxes, such as those on privatised utilities and pension funds.

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The alliance as a whole agreed on the desirability of closing the gap, and some countries, especially Britain, set out to smarten up their air power.

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