Italian Chamber of Deputies hold its first session in Rome, Italy, March 15, 2013. Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate. (Xinhua/Xu Nizhi)

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Italy's new parliament fails to agree on speakers amid political impasse

ROME, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate.

The first round of voting was completed fruitlessly in both the houses, with the anti-establishment Five-Star Movement (M5S), which holds the power of balance, supporting its candidates for speakers, two of the highest offices of state.  Full story

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti attends the session of Senate in Rome, Italy, March 15, 2013. Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate. (Xinhua/Alberto Lingria)

Italian Democratic Party's (PD) leader Pier Luigi Bersani (2nd R) is seen in Chamber of Deputies in Rome, Italy, March 15, 2013. Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate. (Xinhua/Xu Nizhi)

A lawmaker votes in Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome, Italy, March 15, 2013. Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate. (Xinhua/Xu Nizhi)

Italian Senate hold its first session in Rome, Italy, March 15, 2013. Italy's new parliament held its first session on Friday amid political standstill as the three biggest parties failed to agree on speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Senate. (Xinhua/Alberto Lingria)