Why is Italy facing a new political crisis?

What has happened?

Italy has been without a government since an election on 4 March resulted in a hung parliament. A fresh political crisis has arisen following the surprise resignation of Giuseppe Conte, a little-known law professor who had been selected by the party that won the largest share of the vote — the Five Star Movement (M5S) — and the far-right Lega to form a populist government.

Conte resigned after the parties’ favoured candidate to serve as finance minister, Paolo Savona, was rejected by the Italian president, Sergio Mattarella.

Why Savona?

Savona had been seen as very controversial because of his anti-euro and anti-German views. But the parties, and particularly Matteo Salvini, the Lega leader, insisted on him.

What are the president’s powers?

As president of Italy and head of state, Mattarella has limited powers, but the constitution affords him certain rights. He can formally appoint a head of government and ministers. The president may also dissolve parliament.

Did Mattarella overreach?

Critics, including Luigi Di Maio, the M5S leader, were quick to criticise Mattarella, accusing him of an abuse of power and calling for his impeachment. However, previous presidents have also challenged individual ministers.

Can the president be impeached?

He could be impeached, but it is seen as extremely unlikely. Italy’s constitutional court would first have to accept that the issue could be taken up by parliament. Then, the combined parliament of about 950 members would have to vote to impeach the president with an absolute majority.

What happens next?

Mattarella has asked Carlo Cottarelli, a technocrat and former International Monetary Fund economist, to form a government. However, Cottarelli is likely to lose a vote of confidence because he does not have the support. A snap election will need to be held, possibly as early as September.