Italy’s Papal-Style Presidential Vote Poses a Dilemma for Draghi

When Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with his diplomatic staff on Thursday, he told them he was saying goodbye. Mattarella has been signaling for months that he doesn’t want to stick around when his term finishes and his comments will fuel speculation about who lawmakers will chose to replace him in a secret ballot next month. Many bets are on Prime Minister Mario Draghi. But shifting the former central bank chief could upset Italy’s efforts to reduce debt and end years of economic stagnation, triggering renewed political turmoil.

The president has limited powers so the role is ceremonial most of the time. Yet, no one gets to be premier without the president’s approval — they nominate heads of government and their chosen ministers. The president also dissolves parliament, or decides not to, which means they can act as a force of stability in crises. Finally, they can reject laws and decrees if they deem they are not in line with the constitution. Italy has had 12 heads of state so far, including Mattarella, none of them a woman.