President Sergio Mattarella rejects the prime minister’s resignation while pro-Draghi sentiment grows
The fate of the Italian government hangs in the balance amid growing pressure onto remain prime minister as he prepares for a crucial speech in parliament on Wednesday.
In addition, endorsements of Draghi, dubbed “Super Mario” for his role in saving the Euro during his time as ECB chief, have been rolling in from international leaders who see him as fundamental to not only ensuring stability inIt is unclear if the pleas will be enough to dissuade the 74-year-old, who as of late last week was reported to be unwilling to reconsider his decision.
The next general elections are due by June 2023, but if Draghi opts to step down, Mattarella will most likely dissolve parliament and call elections as early as late September. Priorities at home include tackling the energy crisis, approving next year’s budget and enacting reforms in order to receive the next chunk Italy is due to receive from its €200bn share of the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund.