Italian election: Five Star Movement and Lega to win OUTRIGHT MAJORITY in new election
GETTY Italy's Five Star Movement and Lega are on course to win an outright majority in fresh elections
The Five Star Movement and Lega’s attempts to form a new government faltered after the Italian President Sergio Mattarella vetoed the proposed choice of finance minister, Paolo Savona, an 81-year-old Euro-sceptic economist. Luigi Di Maio, the leader of the 5SM, commented on Mr Mattarella’s action, stating: "We were a few steps away from forming a government and we were stopped because in our cabinet there was a minister who criticised the EU. “This is not a free democracy." But following the collapse of the coalition talks a snap election in July appears increasingly likely, and polls suggest the populist parties are on course to win outright.
GETTY Following the collapse of coalition negotiations, Mr Di Maio said Italy was 'not a free democracy'
GETTY Matteo Salvini has stated that the 'earlier another election takes place the better'
We were a few steps away from forming a government and we were stopped because in our cabinet there was a minister who criticised the EU Luigi Di Maio
Support for the far-right Lega party has risen by ten per cent from its 17.5 per cent result in the March General Election according to one poll. And support for the 5SM appears to be close to its previous result of around 33 per cent. This would mean the parties would win an outright majority if they were to form a coalition following a new snap election. Matteo Salvini, leader of Lega, commented on the potential new elections, stating: “The earlier we vote the better because it's the best way to get out of this quagmire and confusion.”
However many commentators have expressed their concerns a new election would become a virtual referendum on Italy’s continued euro membership, particularly after Mr Savona previously stated Italy should leave the EU. Mr Salvini commented on the issue, saying: “The upcoming elections will not be political, but instead a real and true referendum between who wants Italy to be a free country and who wants it to be servile and enslaved. “Today Italy is not free; it is occupied financially by Germans, French and eurocrats.” He also stated in February that the euro was a “mistake for our economy”.
Italian election pictures: Who won the Italy Election 2018? Mon, March 5, 2018 Italian election pictures: Who won the Italy Election 2018? Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 21 Candidate of Five Stars Movement Alfonso Bonafede