MILAN (AP) — Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi appealed for his political survival Thursday, telling parliament that his government is the only credible alternative to help guide the country through the growing sovereign debt crisis.

Berlusconi’s 3 1/2-year-old government faces a confidence vote Friday that will test if the premier retains a majority in Parliament. If the vote fails, Berlusconi must step down.

The crisis was provoked when lawmakers this week blocked routine legislation, which prompted opposition lawmakers to demand his immediate resignation and the country’s ceremonial president to urge the Italian leader to prove his government’s mettle.

Berlusconi made clear in his 15-minute address that he has no intention of stepping down — and that if he loses the only alternative is new elections, not a technical government as some have proposed.

“The governments asks for a confirmation of confidence because it is deeply aware of the risks facing the country and because the deadlines imposed by the markets are not compatible with those of certain political rituals,” Berlusconi said.

Berlusconi has steadfastly resisted calls for new elections as his leadership has been weakened by personal scandals, trials and Italy’s increasingly precarious financial position. Opposition leader Pierluigi Bersani said surviving a confidence vote, however, is not the same as governing a country.