Cracks in Italy's centre-left coalition widened today over emergency legislation giving police greater powers to expel European Union immigrants.
The measures, prompted by public anger at a series of crimes blamed on poor Romanian immigrants, have sparked diplomatic tensions with Bucharest and are the latest test of unity for Prime Minister Romano Prodi's patchwork alliance.
Left-wing coalition parties believe the emergency decree, given cautious backing on Monday by the European Commission, is racist and may run counter to Italy's constitution.
Cesare Salvi, a leading member of the Democratic Left, accused Mr Prodi of adopting the populist agenda of Silvio Berlusconi's opposition. Mr Salvi said he hoped the measures would be diluted in the Senate, where the government has only a razor-thin majority.
The decree allows local authorities to expel European Union citizens they consider to be dangerous. A judge must sign the expulsion order but no proof of a criminal record is necessary and neither is a trial.
Romanian President Traian Basescu has criticised the measures and condemned attacks on Romanians abroad.
Italian authorities on Saturday tore down a Gypsy camp and expelled around 20 Romanians under the new powers.
The Vatican entered the fray today, calling for an end to prejudice against Gypsies. The European Commission backed the legislation but said strict conditions must be met and warned against discrimination against migrants from EU newcomer Romania.