by In Trieste
Italy’s now former PM Giuseppe Conte resigned on 26 January, tendering his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, in a tactical move that would allow him to build a new coalition.
The Italian government crisis erupted after the centrist Italia Viva (IV) party led by former premier Matteo Renzi citing frustrations with the government withdrew from the nation’s ruling coalition, thus leaving Conte without a parliamentary majority.
Conte is now expected to seek a fresh mandate from Mattarella – who as president acts as guarantor – to form a new, stronger government after losing his majority last week.
The leaders of the three government coalition parties – the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), the centre – left Partito Democratico (PD) and leftist LEU party – have backed Conte. Thus there are now several possible scenarios, including the option of Renzi making amends with his former partners, however this is complicated as the largest coalition partner, M5S, has ruled out doing business with Renzi again.
Friuli Venezia Giulia’s president Massimiliano Fedriga called Conte’s possible reelection a “sad spectacle” in his interview with Rai 1 adding that he sees “no logic in changing the ruling government for the third time but keeping the same prime minister”.
Mattarella would be forced to dissolve parliament and call elections, two years ahead of schedule if all available avenues fail.
