The three-party governing coalition holds 61 seats not up for re-election and needed to win at least 63 in this election to hold a majority.

Mr. Kohl's three-party coalition won 53.4 percent of the 38 million votes cast.

Prior to this, there were some disagreements with members of the current three-party governing coalition on whether the bill had enough votes to pass.

He added: "The new Italian government is a three-party coalition.

The three-party legislative coalition said it planned to submit a reform bill in the regular parliamentary session next summer.

Members of this coalition said they expected the three-party coalition to stay together under Democratic rule.

On Tuesday, in an unusual show of common purpose, his three-party coalition offered support for a six-month policy program, giving him breathing room.

Mr. Ecevit depends on a three-party coalition to stay in power.

Now that would be three-party coalition for the next government!

Molterer stated on 5 August 2008 that he had nothing against three-party coalitions and would also consider a minority government.