(VOVworld) - Premier Paolo Gentiloni easily won a vote of confidence Tuesday night from the Italian Parliament's lower chamber for his new government after pledges by opposition lawmakers from the anti-EU and the populist 5-Star Movement to boycott the vote.

Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni speaking at the confidence vote (Source: EPA/VNA)

Gentiloni’s government still needs approval from the Senate on Wednesday.

The same day, in his maiden speech to parliament, newly-appointed Prime Minister Gentiloni said his priorities will be boosting economic development, creating jobs, securing the banks, and helping lawmakers draft a new election law for the 2018 elections.