Italian centre-left set to join new coalition government and lock out far right

Italy‘s centre-left Democratic Party (PD) is set to join the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) in coalition government, replacing the far right, after the two parties reached a deal on Wednesday evening.

Both parties announced they had struck an agreement that would see independent M5S ally Giuseppe Conte stay on as prime minister, although the plan must be formally approved by the country’s president Sergio Mattarella.

Policy details of the coalition would be publicly formalised after and if the president gives his approval. Mr Mattarella, who met party leaders in Rome to try to chart a way forward, has summoned Mr Conte to a meeting on Thursday morning.

“We consider it worthwhile to try this experience,” the PD’s Nicola Zingaretti said after meeting the president on Wednesday to chart a way forward.

“In difficult times like these, shunning our responsibility to have the courage to try this is something we cannot afford.”

The formation of the new government means there would be no fresh elections in Italy, which went to the polls just last year but was due to vote again if no new administration could be formed.

The M5S’s coalition with the far-right League collapsed in acrimony earlier this month over policy differences and personality clashes between the two insurgent groups.

Mr Conte resigned as prime minister last week after Matteo Salvini, the leader of the nationalist League party, tabled a no-confidence motion against him. Mr Conte meanwhile accused Mr Salvini of being irresponsible.

The League appears to have been the biggest loser from the political crisis – Mr Salvini had wanted fresh elections to capitalise on his party’s current poll lead. The group has also lost some support in recent surveys since it left government.

But if the new coalition government lasts there will be no new elections until 2023.

Mr Conte resigned in dramatic fashion last week after Mr Salvini tabled a no-confidence motion against him. That row was kick-started after the M5S launched a failed bid in the senate to derail plans for a new high-speed rail line across the alps to France.