The unity of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's party and the strength of his alliance on reforms with opposition rival Silvio Berlusconi will be tested on Thursday with a parliamentary vote to choose a new president. Though historically a largely ceremonial figure, the Italian head of state has important powers at times of political instability, a frequent occurrence in Italy, as he or she can dissolve parliament, call elections, and pick prime ministers. Some 1,009 parliamentarians and regional officials will hold a first round of voting at 3 p.m. (0900 ET). A president is not likely to emerge from the first vote, when ... (full story)