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Salvini and Conte Go Toe-to-Toe With Italian Government on Brink

  • League leader Salvini says government doesn’t have majority
  • Italian bonds tumble as Italy likely headed for new elections
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Italy's Salvini Says Time May Be Running Out on Government
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Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signaled he won’t leave office without a fight as his deputy, Matteo Salvini, took steps toward bringing the government down and forcing snap elections. Italian bonds plunged on the prospect of political uncertainty and a new vote.

With Salvini, head of the anti-immigrant League, pulling support from the administration and calling for a national ballot, Conte said late Thursday that he won’t let his opponent dictate the pace of events. His comments offered a glimmer of encouragement to those in Rome still hoping for an anti-Salvini coalition that could survive long enough to approve a budget for next year.