Politics

Italy political crisis on ice until Draghi addresses parliament next week

Rome, Jul 15 (EFE).- Mario Draghi, who had his resignation rejected by president Sergio Mattarella on Thursday night, will remain Italy’s prime minister at least until the middle of next week.

Draghi offered to step down after the Five Star Movement (M5S), the country’s largest party, withdrew from his governing coalition.

On Wednesday, Draghi will address Parliament and gauge whether he has sufficient support and is willing to form a new government.

The preferred option for most of the coalition parties — except for the far-right League, led by Matteo Salvini — is a ‘national unity’ government to back Draghi.

The progressive Democratic Party (PD), the centrist Italia Viva (IV) and the conservative Forza Italia (FI) have five days to convince Draghi, who they see as the man to provide the country with the stability it needs as Italy struggles with an energy crisis, soaring inflation, reforms needed to receive millions in EU funds and an upturn in the pandemic.

Even the M5S has declared that the party “is ready to give confidence to Draghi”, spokeswoman Maria Domenica Castellone said, according to Italian media reports.

The biggest obstacle appears to be Salvini, who has spoken out in favor of calling snap elections, following in the footsteps of the leader of the ultra-conservative Brothers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, who currently leads in the polls.

An election, which is scheduled for spring but could be brought forward, is the most feasible scenario if Draghi chooses not to continue, as the prospects of appointing another head of government seem slim. EFE

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