Draghi government’s stability at risk as Italy’s 5-star firm refuses

The vote on a series of measures to help the Italians weather the economic crisis is scheduled for Thursday in the Senate and will be linked to a vote of confidence. Such motions of confidence on government-backed bills are intended to ensure allies close ranks, but Conte announced, “We will not vote.”

The 5 Star Movement is a key coalition partner in Draghi’s national unity government, which was formed from parties from the right, left and the populist 5 Star Movement to help Italy recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The 5-Star leadership has been complaining about government priorities for weeks, calling for more generous financial relief for families and businesses suffering high energy bills and continued funding of a guaranteed monthly salary for those unable to find work.

Draghi has tried to react but he made it clear this week that he would not react to ultimatums.

It remains unclear if Draghi’s government would still command a majority without the 5-star MPs, given so many have defected or been expelled since the movement first came to national power in the 2018 election when it won the became the largest party in Parliament.

The centre-right party, which did well in recent municipal and administrative elections and leads the polls, has said snap elections are the only solution if the five-star senators don’t vote for their own government’s vote of confidence.

Conte insisted he continues to support Draghi and work to find solutions to the 5-star demands. But he added: “We have asked for a change in the sole interest of citizens.”