Italy to adopt economic package Wednesday

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's cabinet will meet on Wednesday to adopt measures aimed at boosting economic growth as Italy battles with high debt and youth unemployment, a government source said.

The gathering of the Council of Ministers has been back a day to ensure Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti can attend, sources said.

As critics rounded on Berlusconi for spending his time at parties with young models rather than focusing on Italy's problems, the prime minister announced plans last week to whip the economy into shape.

Berlusconi said he hoped to boost growth up to an annual three or four percent within five years -- compared to the current one percent -- in order to cut public debt of almost 120 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

His plans include tax breaks for businesses and young people. Italy's jobless rate among 15-24 year olds hit a seven-year high of 29 percent in December.

Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti -- regarded as a potential premier should Berlusconi fall -- has given the nod for the measures as long as they do not worsen Italy's debt.

Berlusconi offered last week to make a deal with Italy's main opposition party to tackle the country's economy, but the pact was dismissed as an attempt to draw attention away from the scandal surrounding his private life.