Government crisis in Italy: Draghi counted – new elections likely

After three governing parties blocked the vote of confidence in Draghi, the Italian prime minister is on the brink of defeat. New elections are now considered the most likely option. Polls see a legal alliance ahead.

By Jörg Seisselberg, ARD Studio Rome

A smile, a short wave to the passers-by waiting in front of the Senate. Then Mario Draghi got into his official car and was taken to the Palazzo Chigi, the Prime Minister’s official residence. Probably one of his last trips, as Draghi’s attempt to secure a majority for the continuation of his government of national unity failed miserably in the Senate.

Coalition partners oppose Draghi

Three major government parties, the Five Star Movement, the right-wing Lega and Forza Italia, led by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, all refused to support Draghi. All three parties, in different ways, accused the head of government of paying too little attention to their political issues.

In his statement in the Senate, the former head of the European Central Bank had urged approval and a restart of the government: “Italy did not bring confidence that is just a facade that disappears with the first uncomfortable measures. It needs a new pact of trust, Honestly and concretely. I ask the parties and you parliamentarians: Are you ready to renew such a pact?”

Not a broad majority

The social democratic PD, who supported Draghi to the end, was one of the losers of the evening. PD boss Enrico Letta is deeply disappointed with the development. “Today is a sad and dramatic day for Italy. Our support for the Draghi government has been pure and honest and I believe that was in Italy’s interest.”

In the end, however, apart from the Social Democrats, only the Left, the Italia Viva party of former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the new group of Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who left the Five Star Movement last month, remained on Draghi’s side. A support far removed from the broad majority in Parliament that Draghi had named as a condition for going ahead.

“Fast Elections”

For PD leader Letta it is clear what is going to happen after this defeat. “I believe that we will soon have new elections. Then the Italians can choose between those who have loyally supported this government and those who wanted to bury the government for party tactical reasons and have already started their election campaign.”

At 9 a.m. today, Draghi plans to make a statement in the Chamber of Deputies, the second part of Parliament. After that, it is expected that Draghi will again offer his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella – and this time he will accept it. There must be new elections no later than 70 days after the dissolution of parliament, with October 2 being the most likely date.

Good prospects for right-wing candidate

According to the latest polls, a right-wing alliance consisting of the post-fascist party Brothers of Italy, the Lega and Forza Italia, currently has the greatest chances of winning. The boss of the brothers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, appeared in good spirits last night.

“It confirms what the brothers of Italy said about the Draghi government from the start. That it cannot work in a parliamentary republic when everything and the opposite of everything governs together,” she said. “For us, the balance sheet of this government and this legislature is extremely bad.”

Meloni, a former member of a neo-fascist party, has been Italy’s most popular politician for months, behind Draghi. Meloni can hope to become Draghi’s successor in office.