Italy: The country's government is on the brink of collapse

The Five Star Movement will not participate in today’s vote of confidence in the Italian Senate, said its leader, Giuseppe Conte, a move that could lead to the collapse of the governing coalition under Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Other parties in the governing coalition have warned that they will leave the government if the Five Star Movement boycotts the Senate vote, while Draghi himself had stated earlier this week that he would not lead a government from which Conte’s party had withdrawn.

The decision by the Five Star Movement is plunging Italy into political uncertainty and could lead the country to hold early elections this fall.

After a day of intense internal party consultations, Conte announced late Wednesday that the Five Star Movement would not support the motion of confidence, noting that the government needs to do more to address growing social problems.

«I am very concerned that in September, many families will face the terrible dilemma of whether to pay their electricity bill or buy food,» Conte noted, referring to the sharp rise in energy costs.

However, he left open the possibility of further talks with Draghi in order to resolve their differences.

«We are completely open to dialogue and to contributing constructively to the government and to Draghi, but we are not willing to give a blank check,» stressed the leader of the Five Star Movement.

The Italian prime minister said Tuesday that if the Five Star Movement withdraws its support for the government, President Sergio Mattarella will be the one to decide what happens next.

Elections

Two parties in the governing coalition, the League (right) and the center-left Democratic Party, said yesterday, Wednesday, that early elections are the most likely scenario if the government collapses.

«If a coalition party does not support a government bill, then that's it—it seems quite clear that we must hold elections,» said Matteo Salvini, leader of the League.

The elections were scheduled for the first half of 2023. Holding early elections in the fall is unusual in Italy, as this is traditionally the time when governments present their budget for the following year, which must be approved by the end of the year.

Mattarella asked Draghi to form a government of national unity in early 2020 so that Italy could overcome the COVID-19 pandemic-19 and convinced nearly all parties to participate in it.

The Five Star Movement has seen its popularity decline over the past year as it strives to maintain a clear identity. In an effort to raise its profile, it has been protesting for weeks against the government’s priorities and has called for generous aid to be provided to families struggling due to the risingcost of living, as well as the continued funding of a social program he is promoting for the most vulnerable Italians.

Today’s vote of confidence includes a €26 billion package to address the rising cost of living, as well as an amendment that would allow the city of Rome to build a massive waste incinerator, a plan opposed by the Five Star Movement.