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Outgoing Italian PM Accepts Fresh Mandate to Form New Government

Sabina Castelfranco

   ROME - Outgoing prime minister Giuseppe Conte has accepted a fresh
   mandate from Italy's head of state to form a new coalition government
   backed by the populist Five Star Movement and the center-left Democrats
   party. Markets reacted positively the end to the 3-week political
   crisis, which could have triggered a snap election. But many in Italy
   are wondering how long such an alliance will last.

   Conte appears determined and convinced he will be capable of
   establishing a government backed by a new coalition made up of the Five
   Star Movement and the Democratic Left party. Although the two political
   groups have been past enemies, they have agreed to unite and work
   together.

   The political crisis was caused by the League leader, Matteo Salvini,
   who announced three weeks ago he was no longer prepared to work with
   the Five Star Movement.

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