Italy’s president has proposed a “neutral” government to lead the country until the end of the year after declaring there was no hope for a workable political alliance and that Italy could not wait any longer for leadership. Two months after the inconclusive 4 March election, President Sergio Mattarella urged Italy’s deadlocked political leaders to back the “government of service” until at least the budget was passed by 31 December. “I hope that various forces have a positive response by assuming their responsibilities in the interests of Italy,” he said. He tweeted: “[We have] no faith in a ‘neutral’ government, which is synonymous with a government of technocrats. “In the meantime lacking an agreement, I hope they will agree via a confidence vote to give birth to a neutral government.

Source: The Guardian May 07, 2018 19:17 UTC