Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has called on legislators not to jeopardise the government out of narrow political interests, as he faces votes of confidence.
Speaking to the Senate, he said Italy needed operational continuity, and ousting him would create a "crisis in the dark".
Those seeking to remove him would be unable to form a government, he said.
If he loses on Tuesday, Mr Berlusconi has said there will be early elections.
Mr Berlusconi's political career - though not his marriage - has survived a string of scandals over his relationships with women.
In November he was embroiled in a scandal over a 17-year-old dancer called Ruby, who was released from police custody after his personal intervention. He denied any improper conduct, saying he had simply pitied her plight.
"I understand those who would challenge the government, opening a crisis leading to fresh elections or at least proposing a different prime minister, whilst being sure of the ability to form a new governing majority," he said in his speech on Monday.
"However, I cannot understand the spirit of those who want to trigger, at all costs, a crisis in the dark". BBC News
