Returning with ministersThe mandate handed to Mr Conte on Wednesday night is not final. If Mr Mattarella does not agree with the names, a stand-off could ensue. Once the cabinet is approved by the president, Mr Conte and the new government will be sworn in, with the final hurdle being a vote of confidence in both houses of parliament. DoubtsAfter Mr Di Maio and Mr Salvini proposed Mr Conte as prime minister on Monday, doubts about his suitability to the post flared up, raising questions about whether the populist duo would back away from their candidate. However Mr Di Maio and Mr Salvini stuck by Mr Conte, putting pressure on Mr Mattarella to give him the mandate.

Source: The Irish Times May 23, 2018 17:38 UTC