The first tasks are already pressing: Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wants to work as soon as possible on the budget for the coming year. He announced this on Thursday after Sergio Mattarella had given him the order to form a government. This clears the way for a coalition of populist five-star movement and Social Democrats (PD).
Conte said he wanted to work in the new government to modernize the country and make Italy more competitive again. In addition, a way out of political instability must be found as soon as possible.
Interior Minister Matteo Salvini of the far-right Lega had the beginning of August, the only 14-month-old government alliance with the five-star movement burst and Italy thus plunged into a serious political crisis. With the now agreed government formation, the new elections sought by Salvini are initially averted. According to surveys, the Lega would have had a good chance of a high score in this case.
Conte now has to put together a cabinet that then needs the trust of both chambers of parliament. This process is likely to take a few days and is not without obstacles.
PD chief Nicola Zingaretti has also formulated initial plans: he called for a turnaround in European and migration policy. However, it is unclear whether these can be with the stars. These had supported Salvini's hard line against migrants and are also in budget matters in dispute with Brussels. The protest movement also wants to vote on an online platform about the desired coalition - this was seen as one of the hurdles for a new government.