Italian lawmakers discuss no-confidence vote as Salvini pushes for fresh election
Italy’s political leaders will meet in Rome today to discuss a date for a no-confidence vote in the government.
The right-wing Northern League governs the country in a coalition with the populist Five Star Movement (M5S). Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini called for the vote against Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte—who belongs to neither party but has close ties to M5S—after M5S opposed an infrastructure bill backed by the League.
The coalition between the League and M5S has been shaky since it was announced following the 2018 general elections. In recent weeks, the two have clashed over a range of issues, from tax cuts to supporting Ursula von der Leyen.
Mr Salvini appears to be aiming to bring down his own government coalition in order to trigger snap elections that could lead to him emerging as premier. The move would be gamble if executed, but it may pay off for Mr Salvini. According to the latest opinion polls, the League has nearly twice as much voter support as M5S.
However, if elections are called they will be held in August, a month widely considered by Italians to be a vacation month. Voter turnout in favour of Mr Salvini may be low given this seasonal factor.
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