Italy in crisis over ministry

ITALY’S efforts to form a government have broken down after the president rejected a Eurosceptic pick for the key economy ministry, triggering a potential constitutional crisis and opening the prospect of fresh elections.

The leaders of the two antiestablishment parties trying to field a government accused President Sergio Mattarella of betraying the constitution and demanded a new vote. Prime Minister-designate Giuseppe Conte gave up trying to form a government after the head of state refused to endorse Paolo Savona to the economy post.