Italian PM Giuseppe Conte close to resigning, reports local media

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is close to stepping down from his post to make way for formation of a new government with a greater majority, reported local media outlet on January 25.  La Repubblica newspaper cited Conte as saying, “My aim is to find an agreement that gives a clear political perspective to government until end of term”. This came after Conte had survived a vote in Italian Senate last week and urged centrist or unaligned lawmakers outside coalition to join hands with his mirity government. However, only handful members have responded. 

Italian PM’s mirity government was engulfed in chaos after a junior partner, Italia Viva party headed by former premier Matteo Renzi resigned from cabinet in a row over handling of COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Conte survived a subsequent confidence vote in parliament on January 19, he remained unsuccessful in securing an absolute majority in Senate. This implies that Italian PM will struggle in order to enact any policy nda unless he draws new support. 

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Italy’s political crisis explained

crisis began with former Italian PM Matteo Renzi reportedly orchestrating resignations of two ministers from his small but influential Italia Viva party. It was also t first time Renzi shook Italy’s politics after becoming premier in 2014 by out-maeuvring and unceremoniously deposing n-Democratic Party member Enrico Letta as Italy's leader. Eventually, Renzi fell from power nearly three years later after gambling his popularity on a constitutional referendum. However, w, former Florence mayor might bring down Conte who Renzi has broadly accused of t properly managing global health crisis. While Renzi has reportedly said that he is only following his conscience, it comes at a great political cost for nation. He has even asserted at a press conference earlier this month, "Italia Viva did t start crisis. It has been going on for months".

However, with Renzi suspending support for Conte and resignation of two  Italia Viva ministers, Italian PM is working to steer support among independent lawmakers. Conte still has backing of Democratic Party and 5-Star Movement, both have instead deunced Renzi’s approach as irresponsible. Since he failed to secure eugh backing in Senate, Conte is reportedly likely to submit his resignation to Italian President Sergio Mattarella. 

This would push nation under a technical government. As per reports, a general election in Italy is unlikely and current majority would like to hold on at least January 2022. However, re are still concerns that right-wing opposition would gain strength and lead a new government.

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