Ex-ECB Head Mario Draghi Seeks Unity as Italy’s New Leader
- Draghi mixes professionals, politicians in new cabinet
- He inherits country ravaged by pandemic, mired in recession
Giuseppe Conte hands a bell to Mario Draghi during a handover ceremony at Chigi Palace in Rome, Feb. 13.
Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg
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Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi stressed the need for unity after being sworn in as Italy’s prime minister, ending weeks of political gridlock and avoiding an election during the pandemic.
Draghi was sworn in by President Sergio Mattarella at Rome’s Quirinale palace, with limited attendance because of social distancing rules. After the ceremony Draghi held his first cabinet meeting at the premier’s official residence in Rome. He unveiled his long-awaited government line-up on Friday, nominating the Bank of Italy’s Daniele Franco as finance minister.