Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces the possibility of losing his stronghold in Milan to the left for the first time in twenty years. The recent local elections have highlighted the fragility of his center-right coalition. The focus is on the mayoral contests in Milan and Naples, with around 6 million Italians eligible to vote. Results are expected in the evening after the polls close. The government is set to implement plans to reduce the budget deficit by 40 billion euros following a downgrade in Italy's credit rating. A defeat in Milan would further weaken Berlusconi, already embattled by scandals and economic troubles, and raise doubts about his government's ability to implement necessary cuts. Italy has a high public debt of around 120 percent of gross domestic product, but it has not experienced the financial market troubles that Greece and Portugal have faced. However, a recent warning from S&P serves as a reminder of the consequences of inaction. The possibility of the current government effectively managing this issue is a significant dilemma, as highlighted by business daily Il Sole 24 Ore. Berlusconi faced defeat in the first round of voting in May, with the center left maintaining power in Turin and Bologna, while the center right was pushed into run-offs in Naples and Milan. A defeat would likely worsen tensions with his key ally, the Northern League, and could lead to challenges to his leadership of the center-right, although senior ministers have ruled out any changes before the next national elections in 2013. Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa, a loyal supporter of Berlusconi, stated that an alternative government is unlikely and early elections are not desired. In Milan, outgoing center-right mayor Letizia Moratti is trailing behind leftist Giuliano Pisapia, indicating a shift in the city's political climate. Regional issues such as transportation and the ongoing garbage crisis in Naples have influenced voters' decisions, but the struggling national economy has been the main focus during the polls. Italy has had a slow economy for more than ten years, with high youth unemployment and the average Italian being poorer than they were a decade ago. The government led by Berlusconi recently had to lower its growth forecast for the year and next year due to economic challenges. S&P downgraded Italy's outlook for not reducing its debt and increasing growth. Despite concerns, the Treasury was able to sell long-term bonds successfully. Berlusconi has shifted his focus to attacking his political opponents on the left and "communist" magistrates after facing criticism for initially framing the election as a referendum on his leadership and policies. He predicted that Milan would turn into an "Islamic gypsyland" if the left wins. He also said that leftist voters lacked intelligence, which led to Internet spoofs and a lawsuit from an offended voter. During the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, he went on a rant against Italian magistrates to President Barack Obama, which caused Economy Undersecretary Daniela Melchiorre, a former magistrate, to resign in protest.