In June last year, Mannheimer Leben was the first German life insurer in 50 years to go bust.

ECONOMIST: Many European life companies are still in dreadful shape

Italian pollster Renato Mannheimer said support for People of Freedom, which won 37% of the popular vote in the 2008, has fallen to levels as low as 17%.

WSJ: Scandals Rain on Berlusconi's Party

"Early data in the wake of the scandal show a deeper deterioration" for Mr. Berlusconi's party, Mr. Mannheimer said, adding that recent polling data show only one-third of Italian voters plan to back mainstream parties in the April vote.

WSJ: Scandals Rain on Berlusconi's Party