In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government threatens to collapse in a confidence vote on Thursday. The co-governing Five Star Movement announced late Wednesday evening that it would abstain from voting in the Senate.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio had previously announced that he wanted to start his own group, which would reportedly be called “Together for the Future”. Di Maio’s split from his party came after he accused five-star party leader and ex-Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of undermining the government’s efforts to support Ukraine.
5 stars tip the scales
The Five Star Movement has recently repeatedly criticized Italy’s arms supplies to Ukraine. There was even speculation that the group would leave the coalition, which had performed poorly in the June 12 local elections.
The leader of the right-wing Lega, Matteo Salvini, had previously announced that he would no longer support Draghi if 5 Stars left the coalition. Early elections are the best solution. According to party circles, the Democratic Party is also not prepared to form a new government without the 5 Stars. Draghi himself had announced his resignation if 5 Stars were to leave the coalition.
Conte on a confrontational course
“We will not participate in the vote tomorrow,” Conte said. “We are absolutely ready for dialogue to make our constructive contribution to the government and to Draghi. But we are not ready to give a blank check.” The vote is on a stimulus package to help families and businesses cope with the energy crisis.
Conte presented a number of political demands last week and made their fulfillment a condition for remaining in the coalition. His party’s leadership met on Wednesday for consultations.
Draghi tries to calm down
A statement from Draghi was initially unavailable. He has called on the parties to stop issuing ultimatums and support his government. Since February 2021, Draghi has led the governing coalition, which ranges from the left to the far right, as an independent. A new parliament will be elected in Italy in the first half of next year.
New elections can be brought forward to the autumn. This would be unusual, however, as this is the time when the budget, to be approved before the end of the year, is traditionally drawn up.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
