In Italy threatens to break up Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government this Thursday in a vote of confidence. The co-governing left-wing populist 5-Star Movement announced late Wednesday evening that it would stay away from the Senate vote. Party leader Giuseppe Conte told reporters that the government must do more to combat growing social problems.
Right-wing Lega leader Matteo Salvini had previously announced he would no longer support Draghi should the 5-Star Movement leave the coalition. An early election is the best solution. According to party circles, the Democratic Party is also not prepared to form a new government without the 5 Stars. Draghi himself had announced his resignation if the 5-Star Movement terminated the coalition.
“We will not take part in the vote tomorrow,” said Conte. “We are absolutely ready for dialogue to make our constructive contribution to the government and to Draghi. But we’re not ready to give a blank check.” The vote is about a stimulus package designed to help families and businesses deal with the energy crisis. Conte presented a number of political demands last week and made them a condition of remaining in the coalition. On Wednesday, the leadership of his party met for consultation.
Draghi has previously called on the parties to stop issuing ultimatums and to support his government. Since February 2021, Draghi has led the governing coalition, which ranges from the left to the far right, as an independent. A new parliament will be elected in Italy in the first half of next year. An election could be brought forward to autumn. This would be unusual, however, because this is the time when the budget, which has to be approved by the end of the year, is traditionally prepared.
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