Mario Draghi has confirmed his resignation as Italy’s prime minister after an attempt to save his broad coalition failed when three key parties rejected a vote of confidence, paving the way for early elections that could take place at the end. of September.
With the backing of strong public support, the former head of the European Central Bank had tried to continue his administration on the condition that his alliance “rebuild a pact of trust” that would allow him to work together to overcome major challenges over the next few years. months.
Draghi formally handed in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday morning and it was accepted.
However, the populist Five Star Movement (M5S), Matteo Salvini’s far-right League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia did not take part in a vote of confidence in the Senate on Thursday night that essentially called for parties to pass a spirit of cooperation.
The political crisis erupted last week after M5S boycotted a vote on a 26 billion-euro (22 billion-pound) package designed to help Italians cope with inflation and energy costs, arguing it was insufficient. . The party was also unhappy that the package contained a provision to build a large waste incineration plant in Rome.
The League and Forza Italia had called for a new government led by Draghi, but without M5S, while demanding a cabinet reshuffle. M5S was upset that Draghi had not accepted the political priorities presented to him in his “nine-point” plan, including a basic income bonus scheme and green houses.
Draghi’s resignation comes despite calls for him to remain in office, even from world leaders who see him as key not only to ensuring stability in Italy, but also as a partner in meeting the challenges of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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He called for unity to meet challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, social inequality and the enactment of the necessary reforms to obtain the next tranche of the 200 billion euros that Italy must receive from the post-pandemic recovery fund of the EU. He also reprimanded his coalition partners for internal struggles and points in recent months.
His departure is likely to lead to early elections that could take place on September 25 or October 2. Mattarella may ask Draghi to remain as acting prime minister until a new government is formed after the election.
A recent poll found that if early elections were held, a coalition led by Italy’s far-right brothers and including the League and Forza Italia could win the majority.