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Italian government palace Chigi on Wednesday
Photo: Mauro Scrobogna / AP
Even in Italy, not many people knew the name of the lawyer Giuseppe Conte when he was appointed Prime Minister in June 2018.
On that day began a dizzying career, at the height of which Conte rose to be his country's most popular head of government for years.
On Wednesday, around 6.15 p.m., this high-altitude flight was stopped for the time being.
Matteo Renzi, his coalition partner and rival, withdrew his ministers and blew up the government.
Now Conte not only has to fight for his political survival, but also to ensure that Italy remains capable of acting in its worst post-war crisis.
If Conte loses, right-wing populist Matteo Salvini could succeed him after new elections.
How did it come about that the prime minister lost power in such a way?
It actually looked good for Giuseppe Conte these weeks.
Italy's vaccination rate is way ahead of the German one.
The infected numbers are somewhat under control at the moment, at least if you compare them to the United Kingdom or Spain.
In many cities, restaurants are open again at least during the day.
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