With the expectation that neither a Conte-led nor M5S–PD–IV–LeU government would be capable of garnering a majority, on 3 February, Mattarella invited former President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi to the Quirinal Palace to commission him to form a technocratic government.[15] Draghi formally accepted the task and began consultations with the presidents of parliament.[16] Giuseppe Conte endorsed him the following day, and further negotiations commenced.[17]