Mr. Mattarella, a former member of Parliament, a defense and education minister and a judge on Italy’s constitutional court, became president in 2015 and since then has sought to stay above the political fray. In keeping with his trademark aversion to drama, Mr. Mattarella sought to avoid a return to the polls in the summer or fall, which could produce the same impasse. “July 8 is the first possible date to vote, and Di Maio also agrees,” Mr. Salvini told reporters. But with the coalition about 50 seats short of a majority, Mr. Mattarella did not bother. Mr. Salvini then rejected the president’s offer on Monday evening.

Source: New York Times May 07, 2018 21:56 UTC