The Leader of Italy's Next Government May Not Even Be on the Ballot

Prime Minister Gentiloni could stay on with parliament divided
Surveys show premier is most popular politician in Italy

Chatham House’s Robin Niblett sees concern that politics might get in the way of Italy’s "slow return to growth."Source: Bloomberg

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By Alessandra Migliaccio

January 16, 2018 at 4:00 AM UTC

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With polls showing Italy could be paralyzed by a divided parliament after its March election, stand-in Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni may be set for an extended run in office.

Gentiloni, 63, was only meant to be a stop-gap when he took office in December 2016. His predecessor Matteo Renzi had quit after a referendum defeat, but retained control of Gentiloni’s governing Democratic Party, betting that economic recovery would help him return to power this year. Renzi is the PD candidate on March 4 while Gentiloni won’t even be on the ballot.