Aug 8, 2019

Italy's Salvini calls for breakup of coalition and fresh elections

Dave Lawler

Salvini on the move. Photo: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s interior minister, has today declared the governing coalition between his far-right League party and the anti-establishment Five Star movement unworkable and demanded fresh elections.

Between the lines: The latest spat with Five Star was over a train line between Italy and France, but the populist partnership has long been volatile.

Five Star won the most seats in last year’s election, but League has surpassed it in popularity and Salvini could cement his status as Italy’s most powerful man if the country goes to the polls again.
It’s unclear whether that will happen, particularly as Parliament is currently on recess. Either way, the League-Five Star marriage looks doomed.

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Italy's Salvini calls for breakup of coalition and fresh elections

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