Draghi showdown: Prime Minister only wants to continue on one condition - "Are you ready for this?"

Created: 07/20/2022, 12:43 p.m

Mario Draghi's offer of resignation as head of government shocked Italy - and Europe.

Now he gave a decisive speech and spoke of "fake trust".

Rome - Mario Draghi is aiming for a continuation of his previous government.

In a speech to the Senate in Rome on July 20, the Prime Minister of Italy called for a new “confidence pact” between the parties as a prerequisite for this.

It's the "only way to stay together," he said.

"Are you prepared to restore this pact?" Draghi asked the parliamentarians.

A vote of confidence in the Draghi government in the Senate is planned for the afternoon.

In his speech, Draghi harshly criticized the political parties.

Italy doesn't just need "fake trust" in the government.

"Are you ready to confirm the efforts you made in the first few months and then weakened?" Draghi asked the parliamentarians.

He added: "You don't have to give me the answer to this question, you have to give it to all Italians."

Taking a coffee break after his Senate speech: Mario Draghi © Andrew Medichini/dpa

Government crisis in Italy: Survey sees majority of citizens behind Draghi

Last week, the Five Star Movement (M5S), which previously held the majority behind Draghi, triggered a government crisis in Italy by boycotting a vote of confidence in Draghi.

Although Draghi survived the vote, he submitted his resignation because he did not want to lead the unity government without the support of the MS5.

However, President Sergio Mattarella rejected the resignation request.

According to polls, the majority of Italians still support Draghi.

In order to stay in office, the head of government needs not only a majority in the Senate but also the approval of the House of Representatives.

The vote there is scheduled to take place on Thursday..