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Conte Push for Majority Hinges on Threat of Early Italy Vote

Premier has been struggling to broaden his support in Senate
Snap vote, though on table, remains unlikely, officials say

Giuseppe Conte attends a debate in the Senate in Rome, on Jan. 19. — Giuseppe Conte attends a debate in the Senate in Rome, on Jan. 19.Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg

By

John Follain and

Chiara Albanese

January 22, 2021, 10:30 AM UTCUpdated onJanuary 22, 2021, 2:53 PM UTC

Allies of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte are raising the specter of early elections in a bid to win over lawmakers as the premier struggles to patch together backing for his minority government.

Conte, who lost a key ally in parliament last week, is having a tougher-than-expected time rebuilding his majority, and his camp is trying to win over lawmakers by using the threat of snap elections, even though this is widely considered an unlikely option, according to officials who asked not to be named discussing confidential talks.