Letta Named Italian Prime Minister as Political Gridlock Eases
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Enrico Letta, deputy secretary of Italy’s biggest political party, was designated prime minister in an appointment that portends an end to political gridlock and marks a generational shift in government.
The 46-year-old career politician accepted the mandate today from President Giorgio Napolitano, 87, and said he would begin consulting political parties tomorrow on forming a government. Letta’s Democratic Party lacks a parliamentary majority, meaning the new premier will have to strike alliances with rival lawmakers to pass legislation.