ROME: Italy could be forced to hold new elections after Giuseppe Conte gave up his bid to form a government following the collapse of talks with the president over including a eurosceptic economy minister in his cabinet. "I have given up my mandate to form the government of change," said Conte to reporters after leaving failed talks with President Sergio Mattarella. Conte's decision to step aside leaves Italy in a political crisis nearly three months after March's inconclusive general election. Savona choice sinks dealMattarella confirmed that the nomination by the Five Star Movement and the League of Paolo Savona for economy minister saw the end of Conte's brief mandate. "I accepted every proposed minister apart from the minister of the economy," Mattarella told reporters.

Source: Bangkok Post May 27, 2018 20:37 UTC