The Italian Prime Minister has been in office since the beginning of 2021.
(Photo: Reuters)
Rome Although Mario Draghi has cleared the first hurdle, the government crisis is far from averted: On Thursday afternoon, the coalition of Italy’s prime minister received a clear majority in a vote of confidence with 172 to 39 votes. But one of the largest governing parties, the left-wing Five Star Movement, abstained completely.
After hours of discussion, the stars decided on Wednesday evening not to vote on an economic stimulus package that is primarily intended to support families and companies in the current energy crisis. The government’s plans did not go far enough for the party around ex-Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
Draghi, who has been in office since February 2021 and has since led Italy through the corona crisis and the start of the Ukraine war, has warned the governing parties several times in recent weeks to continue supporting the alliance. The regular legislature runs until spring 2023.
But three weeks ago, part of the Five Star Movement split off in the dispute over arms deliveries to Ukraine. “Together for the Future” is the name of the new faction behind which Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio has gathered members of the party who are loyal to the government.
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Even without the five stars, the former central banker would have a sufficiently large majority in both chambers of parliament. However, the right-wing Lega, which was co-governing, also announced in advance that they wanted to leave the government when the stars were no longer part of it. Lega boss Matteo Salvini has already called for new elections.
Cabinet reshuffle is possible
Immediately after the parliamentary vote, Draghi went to President Sergio Mattarella. The head of state must now decide on the further procedure for solving the government crisis. He could persuade Draghi to remain in office and face another no-confidence vote in the next few days.
A reshuffle of the cabinet is also conceivable, without the involvement of the Five Star Movement. Alternatively, but so far only very few observers in political Rome assume that Mattarella could appoint an interim prime minister before the parliamentary elections.
More: Italy before the election campaign – a country in political limbo