Mattarella Expected to Extend Talks on New Tie-Up: Italy Update
Photographer: Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images
Italian President Sergio Mattarella is meeting with the country’s main political leaders on Thursday in a bid to either carve out a viable governing coalition or pave the way for early elections. The Democrats and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, long antagonists, are in talks to form an alliance, and Mattarella has indicated he could give them a couple extra days to iron out a deal. If those negotiations fail, the hard-line League leader Matteo Salvini, who is currently leading in the polls, would be in prime position to take control of the government.
Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio said he has started talks to form a new majority, signaling he would be open to a tie-up with the Democratic party.