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Mario Draghi (archive image)
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Piero Tenagli / IPA / imago images / Independent Photo Agency Int.
The former head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, wants to become the new Prime Minister of Italy.
A spokesman for the presidential palace announced on Friday evening in Rome.
After the populist five-star movement, the strongest force in parliament, signaled its majority support in an internal party online vote on Thursday, Draghi can count on a broad base in parliament.
In addition to the parties of the previous center-left alliance under the failed head of government Giuseppe Conte, the conservative Forza Italia of Silvio Berlusconi and the right-wing League of Matteo Salvini would also give the ex-ECB boss their votes.
In the Five Star Movement, however, there was continued resistance to the yes to Draghi even after the vote.
The incumbent Prime Minister Conte, who is close to the movement, warned on Thursday that a new government in this constellation could quickly get into trouble.
Contes cabinet lost its majority after Matteo Renzi's Italia Viva left in mid-January.
He then stepped back.
Mattarella first checked whether the old alliance still had a chance.
Talks failed and Mario Draghi was tasked with forming a government.
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