Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's fragile ruling coalition took a big hit on Friday as two parties announced they were withdrawing from the government in a clear attempt to force Berlusconi to resign.

The Union of Christian Democrats and the New Italian Socialist Party both declared their intention to leave the government. The coalition was defeated soundly in regional elections last week so the two parties want to force a change in government policies.

European Affairs Minister Rocco Buttiglione, a leader of the UCD told Reuters, 'The leadership of the UDC has approved a document to withdraw its team from the government and reiterates that the party secretary should work for the creation of a new government ... headed by Berlusconi.'

Berlusconi must now choose to resign or try to form a new coalition via negotiations.

Berlusconi was first elected in 2001 on a platform to improve Italy's struggling economy. His administration has been plagued by accusations of graft and corruption and the economy has failed to show dramatic improvement.

For now, the embattled Prime Minister has vowed to fight on to try to maintain his hold on office.