Mattarella sets deadline to find new coalition

President Sergio Mattarella has set a Tuesday deadline for squabbling political parties to form a workable coalition government, two days after a dysfunctional populist alliance broke up throwing the eurozone’s third largest economy into political turmoil.

Mattarella, 78, concluded two days of crisis talks with key political players on Thursday to see if a viable coalition could be formed following the disintegration of the partnership between the antiestablishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League.

“On Tuesday, I will hold further consultations and make the necessary decisions,” Mattarella told reporters at the presidential palace.

“The crisis must be resolved in a timely manner and with clear decisions,” he said.

After an intense 48 hours of political wrangling, Mattarella said a future coalition would need a specific program that could be passed in parliament.

If a coalition is not formed then Mattarella could consider a technical government or call an early election -- just 14 months after the last parliamentary vote.