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Italy election: hung parliament on the cards as populist parties surge – live Italy election: hung parliament on the cards as populist parties surge – live
(35 minutes later)
The Economist Intelligence Unit has six key points from the result:
The 2018 election produced an acutely fragmented parliament. The election’s big winner was the anti-establishment Five Star Movement which rode a wave of popular discontent linked economic malaise and concerns over immigration.
No coalition or single formation won a majority, with the centre right taking about 37% of votes for the Chamber of Deputies, according to a projection by Quorum / YouTrend.
M5S took about 32%, outperforming opinion polls owing largely to a dominant performance in the south. The populist, Eurosceptic Lega also won an impressive 18% of the vote, overtaking Forza Italia (FI) as the largest party in the centre-right coalition.
A prolonged period of negotiations will follow over the coming weeks, with the president, Sergio Mattarella, to hold consultations with parties following the convening of the new parliament on 23 March.
The key question is whether M5S will soften its policy against alliances with “established” parties, as Luigi Di Maio, the movement’s prime ministerial candidate has signaled he might in recent months.
Equally important will be the stance of Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Lega. He must now choose between dominance of the centre right and a role as Mr Di Maio’s junior coalition partner, which could cause support for the Lega fall.
Europe Elects charts the dramatic slump in the vote for the centre-left Democratic Party headed by former PM Matteo Renzi. Its share fell from more than 40% in 2014 to just 19%. Many of its former supporters either didn’t vote or switched to the Five Star movement.
Italy, General Election:PD-S&D in voters (19.0%) compared to 2014 (40.8%):50.2% voted for PD again15.6% didn't vote34.2% voted for other parties: M5S-EFDD (16.8%)+E-* (3.4%)LN-ENF+FI-EPP+FdI-*+NcI-* (8.4%) LeU-S&D (4%)#Elezioni4Marzo2018#ItalyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/CBIIHTUfw7
Former foreign minister, Emma Bonino, now leader of the More Europe party has won a Rome seat in the chamber of deputies, but nationally her party looks set to fall below the 3% threshold necessary for representation in the Senate.
#ItalyElections2018: @piu_Europa leader Emma Bonino elected in Rome.
It appears that Emma Bonino may not have reached the 3% threshold for her own parliamentary group. It was not a night for "More Europe"
Here are the latest projections in the 315-seat Senate and 630-seat Chamber of Deputies.Here are the latest projections in the 315-seat Senate and 630-seat Chamber of Deputies.
🇬🇧🇺🇸 New seats projection, Senate (315 seats):5 Star Movement 115 seatsLeague 56Democratic Party 50Forza Italia 53Brother of Italy 20LeU (left) 8Oth. Cen-left 4Oth. Cen-right 3#ItalyElection#MaratonaYouTrend🇬🇧🇺🇸 New seats projection, Senate (315 seats):5 Star Movement 115 seatsLeague 56Democratic Party 50Forza Italia 53Brother of Italy 20LeU (left) 8Oth. Cen-left 4Oth. Cen-right 3#ItalyElection#MaratonaYouTrend
Interior minister Marco Minniti, from the centre-left Democratic Party, has lost his seat to the Five Star Movement.Interior minister Marco Minniti, from the centre-left Democratic Party, has lost his seat to the Five Star Movement.
#elezioni2018 Solo terzo a Pesaro Marco Minniti: il Ministro dell'Interno battuto da Andrea Cecconi, "espulso" M5S → https://t.co/KuvR4sTqNx pic.twitter.com/IwQ5ZbIqZ2#elezioni2018 Solo terzo a Pesaro Marco Minniti: il Ministro dell'Interno battuto da Andrea Cecconi, "espulso" M5S → https://t.co/KuvR4sTqNx pic.twitter.com/IwQ5ZbIqZ2
#ItalyElection2018: Interior Minister Marco Minniti has lost his past-the-post race.#ItalyElection2018: Interior Minister Marco Minniti has lost his past-the-post race.
Early results show a win for Boschi in her native (oh no, not native) South Tyrol, while Minniti, the interior minister who orchestrated a controversial deal with Libya, lost.Early results show a win for Boschi in her native (oh no, not native) South Tyrol, while Minniti, the interior minister who orchestrated a controversial deal with Libya, lost.
The Italian stock market has fallen in early trading as traders fret that Italy faces a period of political instability.The Italian stock market has fallen in early trading as traders fret that Italy faces a period of political instability.
The benchmark FTSE MIB index tumbled by 2% at the open. It then stabilised around 1% lower, so there’s no sign of actual panic.Unicredit, Italy’s largest bank, has shed 2.5% while UBI Banca are down 3.8%.The benchmark FTSE MIB index tumbled by 2% at the open. It then stabilised around 1% lower, so there’s no sign of actual panic.Unicredit, Italy’s largest bank, has shed 2.5% while UBI Banca are down 3.8%.
Rebecca O’Keeffe, Head of Investment at interactive investor, says the markets are nervous.Rebecca O’Keeffe, Head of Investment at interactive investor, says the markets are nervous.
“Italy looks to have taken a step to the right and moved towards populism and change.“Italy looks to have taken a step to the right and moved towards populism and change.
The complexity of the Italian voting system makes it very difficult to establish what happens next and when, but neither of the anti-establishment Five star movement or League parties are an attractive option for markets or the euro.”Shares in Silvio Berlusconi’s Mediaset company have fallen by over 4% after his Forza Italia party did worse than expected in Sunday’s election, lagging behind the Northern League. Mediaset has been fighting a long legal battle with France’s Vivendi, and a strong showing by Forza Italia would have strengthened its hand.The complexity of the Italian voting system makes it very difficult to establish what happens next and when, but neither of the anti-establishment Five star movement or League parties are an attractive option for markets or the euro.”Shares in Silvio Berlusconi’s Mediaset company have fallen by over 4% after his Forza Italia party did worse than expected in Sunday’s election, lagging behind the Northern League. Mediaset has been fighting a long legal battle with France’s Vivendi, and a strong showing by Forza Italia would have strengthened its hand.
See Business Live for more on the economic fallout from the election.See Business Live for more on the economic fallout from the election.
The Italian election results have prompted a fall on the euro. It hit a six-month low versus against the yen after stronger thanexpected results for results euro-sceptic parties, Reuters reports.The Italian election results have prompted a fall on the euro. It hit a six-month low versus against the yen after stronger thanexpected results for results euro-sceptic parties, Reuters reports.
The euro zone’s third biggest economy now faces a prolonged period of political instability after voters delivered a hung parliament, spurning traditional parties and flocking to anti-establishment and far-right groups in record numbers.The euro zone’s third biggest economy now faces a prolonged period of political instability after voters delivered a hung parliament, spurning traditional parties and flocking to anti-establishment and far-right groups in record numbers.
The euro fell 0.3% and was traded at $1.2282, edging towards its seven-week low of $1.21545, which it touched on Thursday. Against the yen it fell to 129.35 yen, its lowest level since late August.The euro fell 0.3% and was traded at $1.2282, edging towards its seven-week low of $1.21545, which it touched on Thursday. Against the yen it fell to 129.35 yen, its lowest level since late August.
Although no party won a majority, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement came out as a clear winner, looking set to become the largest single party by a wide margin.Although no party won a majority, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement came out as a clear winner, looking set to become the largest single party by a wide margin.
The centre-right bloc, made up of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, and the far-right League and Brothers of Italy, is set to win most seats but is seen falling some way short of an absolute majority.The centre-right bloc, made up of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, and the far-right League and Brothers of Italy, is set to win most seats but is seen falling some way short of an absolute majority.
But in a bitter personal defeat for the billionaire media magnate, his Forza Italia party was overtaken by its ally, the far-right, anti-immigrant League.But in a bitter personal defeat for the billionaire media magnate, his Forza Italia party was overtaken by its ally, the far-right, anti-immigrant League.
Investors are likely to take fright at any suggestion the 5-Star could form a coalition with the right-wing League.Investors are likely to take fright at any suggestion the 5-Star could form a coalition with the right-wing League.
Initial tallies suggested the two forces would have enough seats to govern together and they have in the past shared strong anti-euro views. While the League still says it wants to leave the single currency at the earliest feasible moment, the 5-Star says the time for quitting the euro has passed.Initial tallies suggested the two forces would have enough seats to govern together and they have in the past shared strong anti-euro views. While the League still says it wants to leave the single currency at the earliest feasible moment, the 5-Star says the time for quitting the euro has passed.
“(The euro) gained in early Asian trade, perhaps due to the German vote, but then started turning down as the results from Italy began coming in. I’d expect it to weaken further today as the market absorbs the results of the Italian election,” said Marshall Gittler, chief strategist at ACLS Global.“(The euro) gained in early Asian trade, perhaps due to the German vote, but then started turning down as the results from Italy began coming in. I’d expect it to weaken further today as the market absorbs the results of the Italian election,” said Marshall Gittler, chief strategist at ACLS Global.
RT BloombergTV "There may be a few direction changes yet for the euro, but the initial negativity has worn off as investors digest the implications of the Italian exit polls and projections https://t.co/k5tshPpjOA #ItalyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/wEel0pthB5"RT BloombergTV "There may be a few direction changes yet for the euro, but the initial negativity has worn off as investors digest the implications of the Italian exit polls and projections https://t.co/k5tshPpjOA #ItalyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/wEel0pthB5"
This was an anti-establishment triumph on a par with Brexit and Trump, according to Bloomberg and Reppublica columnist Ferdinando Guigliano.This was an anti-establishment triumph on a par with Brexit and Trump, according to Bloomberg and Reppublica columnist Ferdinando Guigliano.
He shares his thoughts over a large moka.He shares his thoughts over a large moka.
Good morning all from Rome - as you can see I have opted for the large moka pot this morning. We will all need it! Here are a few thoughts on #Italianelections2018 after an extraordinary night. pic.twitter.com/PkLvtN5iTHGood morning all from Rome - as you can see I have opted for the large moka pot this morning. We will all need it! Here are a few thoughts on #Italianelections2018 after an extraordinary night. pic.twitter.com/PkLvtN5iTH
2. Let's start with the electoral arithmetics. It's ugly. None of the three blocs (Centre-right, Centre-left, 5 Star Movement) will be able to secure a majority. We will need some form of grand coalition, which, in a way is what we always expected.2. Let's start with the electoral arithmetics. It's ugly. None of the three blocs (Centre-right, Centre-left, 5 Star Movement) will be able to secure a majority. We will need some form of grand coalition, which, in a way is what we always expected.
4. These calculations should not distract us from the main political message of #ItalyElection2018 - this was an anti-establishment triumph, of the same league as the #Brexit or the #Trump upsets, in the eurozone's 3rd largest country.4. These calculations should not distract us from the main political message of #ItalyElection2018 - this was an anti-establishment triumph, of the same league as the #Brexit or the #Trump upsets, in the eurozone's 3rd largest country.
5. More than half of the voters have backed the Five Star Movement and the League. These parties have been very cautious (to say the least) on the euro, critical of Italy's migration policy, and open to "no vax" ideas.5. More than half of the voters have backed the Five Star Movement and the League. These parties have been very cautious (to say the least) on the euro, critical of Italy's migration policy, and open to "no vax" ideas.
7. This new political reality will not go away by calling a new election or by some coalition wizardry.The 5 Star Movement has been excluded from power for years, but has kept growing.The League is in a dominant position in the centre-right. Like it or not, this is the new Italy.7. This new political reality will not go away by calling a new election or by some coalition wizardry.The 5 Star Movement has been excluded from power for years, but has kept growing.The League is in a dominant position in the centre-right. Like it or not, this is the new Italy.
8. The League and the 5 Star Movement will be rightly celebrating today. But the hard part starts now. They have triumphed on a fanciful platform of unrealistic promises (flat tax, universal basic income). If they go into government, they are bound to disappoint.8. The League and the 5 Star Movement will be rightly celebrating today. But the hard part starts now. They have triumphed on a fanciful platform of unrealistic promises (flat tax, universal basic income). If they go into government, they are bound to disappoint.
9. What happens when reality starts to bite? Will anti-establishment parties turn against the EU, or will they renege on their promises because leaving the euro is too dangerous? It's far too early to tell, but I guess we are about to find out. #Italianelections20189. What happens when reality starts to bite? Will anti-establishment parties turn against the EU, or will they renege on their promises because leaving the euro is too dangerous? It's far too early to tell, but I guess we are about to find out. #Italianelections2018
Lucio Malan a leading member of the right wing Forza Italia has admitted the election result falls well below his party’s expectation.Lucio Malan a leading member of the right wing Forza Italia has admitted the election result falls well below his party’s expectation.
Forza Italia looks set to be between 50 and 60 seats short of a majority.Forza Italia looks set to be between 50 and 60 seats short of a majority.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Malan said: “We expected a better result than that, to be closer to the majority or even to have the majority. Now we have to see what’s going to happen. We still have some opportunity to form a majority because a number of members of parliament might join, even if elected with other parties. But we still have to see. We hope will not to need that, but we’re going to see.”Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Malan said: “We expected a better result than that, to be closer to the majority or even to have the majority. Now we have to see what’s going to happen. We still have some opportunity to form a majority because a number of members of parliament might join, even if elected with other parties. But we still have to see. We hope will not to need that, but we’re going to see.”
Asked who Forza Italia will be negotiating with, Malan said: “Not parties, but probably single members of parties. The problem is with new elections we don’t see a big probability to have a more definite result. We might have some advantages with alliances with small parties, but it is difficult.”Asked who Forza Italia will be negotiating with, Malan said: “Not parties, but probably single members of parties. The problem is with new elections we don’t see a big probability to have a more definite result. We might have some advantages with alliances with small parties, but it is difficult.”
Malan predicted that another election was the most likely outcome from this inconclusive result.Malan predicted that another election was the most likely outcome from this inconclusive result.
He urged the Five Star Movement to stop sitting on the fence about Europe. “They had a campaign where they were against and in favour of the European Union. Against and in favour of the Euro currency,” Malan said.He urged the Five Star Movement to stop sitting on the fence about Europe. “They had a campaign where they were against and in favour of the European Union. Against and in favour of the Euro currency,” Malan said.
The majority of districts have been counted but we don’t yet have an allocation of parliamentary seats.The majority of districts have been counted but we don’t yet have an allocation of parliamentary seats.
It looks like a hung parliament with the centre-right in the lead at 37.6%, Five Star with 31.6%, PD with 19.2% (anything under 20% was going to be dismal), and Bonino under 3% at 2.7%. It looks like a hung parliament with the centre-right in the lead at 37.6%, Five Star with 31.6%, PD with 19.2% (anything under 20% was going to be dismal), and Emma Bonino’s More Europe under 3% at 2.7%.
The takeaways are it has been a very bad night for Europe, in a country that has always been very pro Europe.The takeaways are it has been a very bad night for Europe, in a country that has always been very pro Europe.
Mostly voters were sending a message against politicians, and were not swayed by pro-Europe arguments. It might also be true that the M5S and Lega sufficiently toned down their anti-euro rhetoric, easing voters’ reservations. But now what?Mostly voters were sending a message against politicians, and were not swayed by pro-Europe arguments. It might also be true that the M5S and Lega sufficiently toned down their anti-euro rhetoric, easing voters’ reservations. But now what?
As one of my go-to analyst’s just said on Twitter: the M5S now controls the South, the Lega (18.2%) is the driving force behind the centre-right.As one of my go-to analyst’s just said on Twitter: the M5S now controls the South, the Lega (18.2%) is the driving force behind the centre-right.
The PD and Lega essentially did equally well, which is stunning. Berlusconi performed worse than expected (around 13%). The centre left is broken.The PD and Lega essentially did equally well, which is stunning. Berlusconi performed worse than expected (around 13%). The centre left is broken.
Officials results are not expected to be finalised for several hours, but projections seem to point to a hung parliament, after Italians deserted the traditional centre and more than 50% voted in support of populist parties.Officials results are not expected to be finalised for several hours, but projections seem to point to a hung parliament, after Italians deserted the traditional centre and more than 50% voted in support of populist parties.
The single party predicted to secure the most votes is the Five Star Movement, with about 32%. The anti-establishment, euro-sceptic party was founded nine years ago by comedian Beppe Grillo.The single party predicted to secure the most votes is the Five Star Movement, with about 32%. The anti-establishment, euro-sceptic party was founded nine years ago by comedian Beppe Grillo.
A coalition of centre-right parties, including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia and including the xenophobic League, is expected to win up to 36% of the vote.A coalition of centre-right parties, including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia and including the xenophobic League, is expected to win up to 36% of the vote.
Early data shows League (17.5%) gaining more votes than Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (14.4%), giving its firebrand chief Matteo Salvini a chance to lead the coalition and become its candidate for prime minister. Salvini is due to give a press conference at midday.Early data shows League (17.5%) gaining more votes than Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (14.4%), giving its firebrand chief Matteo Salvini a chance to lead the coalition and become its candidate for prime minister. Salvini is due to give a press conference at midday.
The centre-left Democratic Party headed by Matteo Renzi has had an abysmal election, slumping to about 19% of the vote. Senior officials from the party have conceded defeat.The centre-left Democratic Party headed by Matteo Renzi has had an abysmal election, slumping to about 19% of the vote. Senior officials from the party have conceded defeat.
There are several parliamentary combinations that could be cobbled together to win a majority of seats, many of which would pair unlikely bedfellows. Under some scenarios, the Five Star Movement could combine with Renzi’s Democratic party to get to above 50%.There are several parliamentary combinations that could be cobbled together to win a majority of seats, many of which would pair unlikely bedfellows. Under some scenarios, the Five Star Movement could combine with Renzi’s Democratic party to get to above 50%.
However, the M5S has previously said it would not take part in a coalition government.However, the M5S has previously said it would not take part in a coalition government.
The La Stampa newspaper has declared on its front page that the nation is “ungovernable”, while Il Tempo laments “Che bordello”.The La Stampa newspaper has declared on its front page that the nation is “ungovernable”, while Il Tempo laments “Che bordello”.
As a result of the confusion in Italy, which is unlikely to resolved for weeks, the Euro was set for a choppy trading session.As a result of the confusion in Italy, which is unlikely to resolved for weeks, the Euro was set for a choppy trading session.
As Italy wakes, there are a lot of questions. Here are just a few of them:As Italy wakes, there are a lot of questions. Here are just a few of them:
And also, what will Mattarella do? Will he give the M5S the first crack at forming a government, or a candidate chosen by the centre right, the winning coalition? https://t.co/mAt5cCJuN4And also, what will Mattarella do? Will he give the M5S the first crack at forming a government, or a candidate chosen by the centre right, the winning coalition? https://t.co/mAt5cCJuN4
And here is Il Tempo’s front page, which sums up the situation with the rather dramatic “Che Bordello”, which translates as “what a brothel”, but which I think we can take to mean “what a mess”.And here is Il Tempo’s front page, which sums up the situation with the rather dramatic “Che Bordello”, which translates as “what a brothel”, but which I think we can take to mean “what a mess”.
The image on the front page is of the moment that a topless Femen activist protested as Silvio Berlusconi arrived to vote.The image on the front page is of the moment that a topless Femen activist protested as Silvio Berlusconi arrived to vote.
La situation résumée par #IlTempo : le bloc "centre droit", (droite, FI, et extrême droite, la Ligue ) en tête, la percée du M5S, mais pas de majorité ... #ElectionsItaliennes #ItalyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/gJaAADz6KJLa situation résumée par #IlTempo : le bloc "centre droit", (droite, FI, et extrême droite, la Ligue ) en tête, la percée du M5S, mais pas de majorité ... #ElectionsItaliennes #ItalyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/gJaAADz6KJ
Here is La Stampa’s front page, which reads: “Da Maio wins, Italy ungovernable”.Here is La Stampa’s front page, which reads: “Da Maio wins, Italy ungovernable”.
Buongiorno, ecco la prima pagina di oggi.Gli aggiornamenti su https://t.co/85UEUCjeLC pic.twitter.com/nagJPjEGMGBuongiorno, ecco la prima pagina di oggi.Gli aggiornamenti su https://t.co/85UEUCjeLC pic.twitter.com/nagJPjEGMG
Inside the paper, columnist Marcello Sorgi wrote: “The March 4 vote yielded a result that Europe was afraid of and Italy perhaps did not expect on this scale.”Inside the paper, columnist Marcello Sorgi wrote: “The March 4 vote yielded a result that Europe was afraid of and Italy perhaps did not expect on this scale.”
“Defeated everywhere else in Europe, populism won here. Either it can govern or it will block the system.”“Defeated everywhere else in Europe, populism won here. Either it can govern or it will block the system.”
Looking ahead, Matteo Salvini will hold a press conference at midday.Looking ahead, Matteo Salvini will hold a press conference at midday.
AP reports that the mood at the anti-immigrant League headquarters in Milan was euphoric earlier today as projections showed the centre-right coalition that the party belongs to was leading the race.AP reports that the mood at the anti-immigrant League headquarters in Milan was euphoric earlier today as projections showed the centre-right coalition that the party belongs to was leading the race.
While the bloc so far is lacking the majority needed to govern, a party official told reporters that the League’s strong showing within the coalition was “a clear signal to Europe, which has mistreated Italians.”While the bloc so far is lacking the majority needed to govern, a party official told reporters that the League’s strong showing within the coalition was “a clear signal to Europe, which has mistreated Italians.”
The interior ministry says the turnout for the national election was 71.48%, a drop from the 75% of eligible voters who participated in the 2013 election.The interior ministry says the turnout for the national election was 71.48%, a drop from the 75% of eligible voters who participated in the 2013 election.
In the light of the events overnight it is worth resurfacing this piece by Stephanie Kirchgaessner from late February, that describes the power struggle – and personal animosity - between Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini within Italy’s right-wing coalition.In the light of the events overnight it is worth resurfacing this piece by Stephanie Kirchgaessner from late February, that describes the power struggle – and personal animosity - between Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini within Italy’s right-wing coalition.
So, if Italy is indeed left with a hung parliament, the deal-making will begin. Agence France-Presse has pulled together three possible options:So, if Italy is indeed left with a hung parliament, the deal-making will begin. Agence France-Presse has pulled together three possible options:
Populist, far-right alliance:Populist, far-right alliance:
Both the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League party have ruled out the possibility of a post-election pact but this is currently the only option that looks like it would command a majority.Both the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League party have ruled out the possibility of a post-election pact but this is currently the only option that looks like it would command a majority.
According to the latest projections, the two parties together would hold 355 seats in the 630-seat lower house of parliament and 168 seats in the 315-seat upper house. Both parties are heavily eurosceptic and League leader Matteo Salvini has been accused of stirring up racial tensions. A tie-up could cause shockwaves around Europe.According to the latest projections, the two parties together would hold 355 seats in the 630-seat lower house of parliament and 168 seats in the 315-seat upper house. Both parties are heavily eurosceptic and League leader Matteo Salvini has been accused of stirring up racial tensions. A tie-up could cause shockwaves around Europe.
Right-wing coalition:Right-wing coalition:
Preliminary results make this remote as the coalition is predicted to win only 37% of the vote, including 18% for the League and 14 percent for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (Go Italy) party.Preliminary results make this remote as the coalition is predicted to win only 37% of the vote, including 18% for the League and 14 percent for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (Go Italy) party.
The final result of the vote in terms of seats is hard to predict, however, as Italy is using a new electoral law for the first time that combines proportional representation with a first-past-the post system.The final result of the vote in terms of seats is hard to predict, however, as Italy is using a new electoral law for the first time that combines proportional representation with a first-past-the post system.
If the coalition does win a majority and the League comes in ahead of Forza Italia, this would open the prospect of far-right Salvini being nominated as Italy’s next prime minister.If the coalition does win a majority and the League comes in ahead of Forza Italia, this would open the prospect of far-right Salvini being nominated as Italy’s next prime minister.
Stalemate:Stalemate:
If there is no clear majority, President Sergio Mattarella could choose to leave in place the current centre-left government of prime minister Paolo Gentiloni.If there is no clear majority, President Sergio Mattarella could choose to leave in place the current centre-left government of prime minister Paolo Gentiloni.
This would allow time to set up a temporary government to reform the electoral law and organise new elections. But the process would take time as consultations could only start after parliament’s newly-elected lawmakers meet for the first time on 23 March to elect speakers.This would allow time to set up a temporary government to reform the electoral law and organise new elections. But the process would take time as consultations could only start after parliament’s newly-elected lawmakers meet for the first time on 23 March to elect speakers.
After a stalemate following Italy’s last election in 2013, it took more than two months to form a government.After a stalemate following Italy’s last election in 2013, it took more than two months to form a government.