| Author (Corporate) | Cardiff EDC (Compiler) |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2021 |
| Content Type | Blog & Commentary, News, Overview |
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Summary: Information Guide concerning a political crisis in Italy that resulted in the resignation of Giuseppe Conte as Prime Minister and later the appointment of Mario Draghi. Further information: The 2018 Italian elections produced a hung Parliament, which was eventually overcome through a post-electoral coalition agreement between the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right Lega. Giuseppe Conte - an independent seen as close to M5S - was put forward as Prime Minister. In August 2019, Lega withdrew its support of the cabinet which led to the collapse of the coalition. A month later, a new coalition was announced between M5S, the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and the left-wing Free and Equal (LeU). Mr Conte was retained as head of government. However, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi later announced he intended to leave PD and form a new centrist party, Italia Viva (IV). While he reaffirmed support to Mr Conte's cabinet, some members of the government followed him to the new political force. Nonetheless, criticism from Mr Renzi to the government became increasingly stronger, amidst the wider context of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and the government's plan for economic recovery. On 13 January, Mr Renzi announced the resignation of IV's ministers and effectively leading to cabinet collapse. Mr Conte later announced he would seek a vote of confidence from Parliament on 18 January 2021. While the government won the motions in both chambers of the Italian House of Parliament - with the abstention from IV members - it did not succeed in gathering an absolute majority in the Senate. As a result, Giuseppe Conte tendered his resignation to Italy's President. Following the impossibility of a new cabinet under the previous majority, Mario Draghi was summoned by the President and tasked with forming a technocratic government. Most of the main parties eventually endorsed Mr Draghi as Prime Minister and engaged in consultation. A list of proposed ministers was presented on 12 February, and the oath of office took place on the following day. The Senate approved the new cabinet on 17 February, followed by the Chamber of Deputies on 18 February. The Draghi Government was formed with both politicians and independent technocrats. It is supported by a large majority including M5S, Lega, Forza Italia, PD, IV and the left-wing Article One. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | National Politics |
| Countries / Regions | Italy |
