Italy's Democrats: Let's try for alternative to Salvini
Italy's Democrats, Parliament's largest opposition force, say it's worth trying to form a new government to shut out the right, led by euroskeptic nationalist Matteo Salvini.
Salvini yanked his League party's support from Premier Giuseppe Conte's populist government, triggering its collapse earlier this week and leaving President Sergio Mattarella with the crucial task of deciding whether to declare the end of the legislature, forcing elections 3½ years early.
Democratic Party chief Nicola Zingaretti stressed after meeting Thursday with Mattarella that any such new coalition must have Parliament's durable, broad backing and cannot come "at any cost." Otherwise, says Zingaretti, national elections must be held.
A moment of the changing of the guard at the door of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in Rome, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. President Sergio Mattarella continued receiving political leaders Thursday, to explore if a solid majority with staying power exists in Parliament for a new government that could win the required confidence vote. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)
Any new coalition critically would need support from the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, whose leaders meet with Mattarella later in the day.
Salvini is demanding new elections.
Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, center, leaves after meeting Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in Rome, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. President Sergio Mattarella continued receiving political leaders Thursday, to explore if a solid majority with staying power exists in Parliament for a new government that could win the required confidence vote. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)
Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, center, talks to the press after meeting Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in Rome, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. President Sergio Mattarella continued receiving political leaders Thursday, to explore if a solid majority with staying power exists in Parliament for a new government that could win the required confidence vote. At left is former premier Paolo Gentiloni, at right Andrea Marcucci. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)
Chairman of the Lower Chamber Roberto Fico leaves after meeting Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in Rome, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019. One day after Giuseppe Conte resigned as premier, President Sergio Mattarella started receiving political leaders to explore options for the way forward. (AP PhotoGregorio Borgia)
Me did representatives wait outside the office door of President Sergio Mattarella, in Rome, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019. One day after Giuseppe Conte resigned as premier, President Sergio Mattarella started receiving political leaders to explore options for the way forward. (AP PhotoGregorio Borgia)