Italy’s newly appointed Prime Minister Giuseppe takes charge of the first populist government in an EU founding memberNew Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, 53, was sworn in at the head of the first populist government in an EU founding member that was forged by the Five Star Movement and the far-right League. The handover of power follows an inconclusive March election and months of political turmoil which had spooked global financial markets and spread unease among Italy's EU partners. Reaction to the new government was wary, with concerns still running high about Italy's massive debt mountain and the future of the EU and its single currency. Its proposals -- which include a monthly basic income for Italy's poorest and a two tier "flat" tax -- have worried Brussels and the financial markets given Italy's massive 2.3 trillion euro ($2.7 trillion) debt. Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio is minister for economic development and both he and Salvini will be deputy prime ministers.

Source: Bangkok Post June 01, 2018 17:48 UTC