Italy held its breath Wednesday as the country's fractious parties furiously debated whether to support popular Prime Minister Mario Draghi at a crucial confidence vote to end a political crisis that could send Italians to snap elections.

Now was not the time for uncertainty within the eurozone's third largest economy, amid a myriad of domestic and geopolitical challenges, from a struggling economy to the Ukraine war, Draghi earlier told the Senate.

"We now need staunch support for the government's programme," he said, calling on parliamentarians for "courage, selflessness, credibility".

"Are you ready? ... You don't owe this answer to me, but to all Italians", he added.

In the stern speech by a usually softly-spoken Draghi, the former leader of the European Central Bank, who offered his resignation last week, said he was prepared to stay -- but on one condition: if the wildly disparate parties pledge anew to a common agenda.

The crisis was sparked by the refusal by the Five Star Movement, a coalition member, to opt out of a confidence vote last week.

Draghi moved immediately to step down, but was persuaded by Italy's president to reach out to parties first.

'Carrot and stick'

Polls suggest most Italians want Draghi, 74, to stay at the helm until the scheduled general election in May next year. His departure could force the president to dissolve parliament and call elections for September or October.

"Draghi did not compromise. He was very tough," Francesco Galietti, Policy Sonar analyst, told AFP.

"The entire speech was stick and carrot – though much more stick than carrot".

There is much at stake: a government collapse could worsen social ills in a period of rampant inflation, delay the budget, threaten EU post-pandemic recovery funds and send jittery markets into a tailspin.

Draghi noted Wednesday that as an unelected leader he needs the broadest consensus possible to tackle Italy's most pressing issues: from a cost of living crisis and recession worries, to the rollout of key reforms and the Ukraine war.

For a long time, he said, his coalition was able "to put aside divisions and come together... for rapid and effective action, for the good of all citizens".

But that had dropped by the wayside as the parties began focusing more on their grassroot supporters ahead of next year's ballot.

'Scolded'

Parties on the centre-left immediately said they would support Draghi at the vote later Wednesday.

The two right-wing parties in the coalition, ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's anti-immigration League, said they would only remain in Draghi's government if it did not include the Five Star.

Draghi "scolded his coalition partners for infighting and point-scoring" over the past few months and laid out a government line that "contains measures that either the League or the Five Star Movement firmly oppose," Teneo consultancy's Wolfango Piccoli said in a note.

"By not making any new concessions to either party, Draghi did not make it easy for the League and the Five Star".

As the parties fiercely debated in the Senate, it was not clear which way the Five Star would vote.

The populist party may split at the vote, with Forza Italia and the League potentially agreeing to work with the breakaway element.

Once the largest party in parliament, the Five Star Movement has already seen scores of defections as it hews to its radical, anti-establishment side in a bid to reverse plummeting support in the polls.

'Pull ourselves together'

Two-thirds of Italians believe Draghi should stay, according to a Euromedia poll published Tuesday. Nearly 2,000 mayors have signed a petition calling for him to remain PM.

Anxious investors are also watching closely. The spread -- the difference between 10-year Italian and German treasury bonds -- got a boost during Draghi's speech, only to widen to 218.4 as parties squabbled.

Wednesday's vote comes a day before the European Central Bank unveils a tool to correct stress in bond markets for indebted eurozone members.

The tool is meant for countries like Italy -- but as Enrico Letta, head of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) said Tuesday, "if we don't pull ourselves together, it will be harder to ask others to save us".

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Italy held its breath Wednesday as the country's fractious parties furiously debated whether to support popular Prime Minister Mario Draghi at a crucial confidence vote to end a political crisis that could send Italians to snap elections.

Italy held its breath Wednesday as the country's fractious parties furiously debated whether to support popular Prime Minister Mario Draghi at a crucial confidence vote to end a political crisis that could send Italians to snap elections. Now was not the time for uncertainty within the eurozone's third largest economy, amid a myriad of domestic and geopolitical challenges, from a struggling economy to the Ukraine war, Draghi earlier told the Senate. "We now need staunch support for the government's programme," he said, calling on parliamentarians for "courage, selflessness, credibility". "Are you ready? ... You don't owe this answer to me, but to all Italians", he added. In the stern speech by a usually softly-spoken Draghi, the former leader of the European Central Bank, who offered his resignation last week, said he was prepared to stay -- but on one condition: if the wildly disparate parties pledge anew to a common agenda. The crisis was sparked by the refusal by the Five Star Movement, a coalition member, to opt out of a confidence vote last week. Draghi moved immediately to step down, but was persuaded by Italy's president to reach out to parties first. 'Carrot and stick' Polls suggest most Italians want Draghi, 74, to stay at the helm until the scheduled general election in May next year. His departure could force the president to dissolve parliament and call elections for September or October. "Draghi did not compromise. He was very tough," Francesco Galietti, Policy Sonar analyst, told AFP. "The entire speech was stick and carrot – though much more stick than carrot". There is much at stake: a government collapse could worsen social ills in a period of rampant inflation, delay the budget, threaten EU post-pandemic recovery funds and send jittery markets into a tailspin. Draghi noted Wednesday that as an unelected leader he needs the broadest consensus possible to tackle Italy's most pressing issues: from a cost of living crisis and recession worries, to the rollout of key reforms and the Ukraine war. For a long time, he said, his coalition was able "to put aside divisions and come together... for rapid and effective action, for the good of all citizens". But that had dropped by the wayside as the parties began focusing more on their grassroot supporters ahead of next year's ballot. 'Scolded' Parties on the centre-left immediately said they would support Draghi at the vote later Wednesday. The two right-wing parties in the coalition, ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's anti-immigration League, said they would only remain in Draghi's government if it did not include the Five Star. Draghi "scolded his coalition partners for infighting and point-scoring" over the past few months and laid out a government line that "contains measures that either the League or the Five Star Movement firmly oppose," Teneo consultancy's Wolfango Piccoli said in a note. "By not making any new concessions to either party, Draghi did not make it easy for the League and the Five Star". As the parties fiercely debated in the Senate, it was not clear which way the Five Star would vote. The populist party may split at the vote, with Forza Italia and the League potentially agreeing to work with the breakaway element. Once the largest party in parliament, the Five Star Movement has already seen scores of defections as it hews to its radical, anti-establishment side in a bid to reverse plummeting support in the polls. 'Pull ourselves together' Two-thirds of Italians believe Draghi should stay, according to a Euromedia poll published Tuesday. Nearly 2,000 mayors have signed a petition calling for him to remain PM. Anxious investors are also watching closely. The spread -- the difference between 10-year Italian and German treasury bonds -- got a boost during Draghi's speech, only to widen to 218.4 as parties squabbled. Wednesday's vote comes a day before the European Central Bank unveils a tool to correct stress in bond markets for indebted eurozone members. The tool is meant for countries like Italy -- but as Enrico Letta, head of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) said Tuesday, "if we don't pull ourselves together, it will be harder to ask others to save us". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Italy fate in parties' hands after Draghi asks: 'in or out?'

Despite winning a no-confidence vote in the Senate on Thursday, Italy's Premier Mario Draghi has stated that he would resign from his post after a coalition.

Italy's Premier Mario Draghi resigns after ally withdraws support

Macron, Scholz, Draghi visit Kyiv, vow to back Ukraine against Russia - see pics

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Italy is the chair for G20 this year and will host all meetings of the grouping this year, including the leaders' summit in October. The idea of a special meet on Afghanistan, which is an Italian Idea, is being discussed with several other G20 member countries as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-suicide-attack-us-drone-strike-kills-isis-k-planner-in-afghanistan-report-409004">US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report</a>

A readout from Indian PMO on telephonic call said, "The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world". While condemning the terror attack at Kabul international airport last week, the readout said that the leaders, "stressed upon the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the humanitarian crisis and long-term security concerns arising out of the developments in Afghanistan."

During the talks, they also discussed issues such as&nbsp;climate change and in that context, exchanged views on other forthcoming multilateral engagements too, such as COP-26 that will take place in November. Draghi is the second leader with whom PM Modi has spoken to since the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15. Earlier, he had conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Psaki, in response to question on G20 meet on Afghanistan, directed it to state department&nbsp;pointing to "planned engagements with international partners in the coming days."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is not the first-time a special meeting by G20 is being organised on international crisis. Last year, under Saudi leadership, G20 hosted special leaders level summit to deal with the Covid crisis.&nbsp;

The grouping formed after the 2008 financial crisis is increasingly being seen as key to global world order even as the United Nations remain defunct, especially lack of reforms at the security council. Countries such as&nbsp;China have been holding reforms at the security council, and blocking expansion of membership for countries like India. 
&nbsp;

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Italy is the chair for G20 this year and will host all meetings of the grouping this year, including the leaders' summit in October. The idea of a special meet on Afghanistan, which is an Italian Idea, is being discussed with several other G20 member countries as well. Also read | US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report A readout from Indian PMO on telephonic call said, "The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world". While condemning the terror attack at Kabul international airport last week, the readout said that the leaders, "stressed upon the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the humanitarian crisis and long-term security concerns arising out of the developments in Afghanistan." During the talks, they also discussed issues such as climate change and in that context, exchanged views on other forthcoming multilateral engagements too, such as COP-26 that will take place in November. Draghi is the second leader with whom PM Modi has spoken to since the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15. Earlier, he had conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Psaki, in response to question on G20 meet on Afghanistan, directed it to state department pointing to "planned engagements with international partners in the coming days." WATCH | This is not the first-time a special meeting by G20 is being organised on international crisis. Last year, under Saudi leadership, G20 hosted special leaders level summit to deal with the Covid crisis. The grouping formed after the 2008 financial crisis is increasingly being seen as key to global world order even as the United Nations remain defunct, especially lack of reforms at the security council. Countries such as China have been holding reforms at the security council, and blocking expansion of membership for countries like India.

G20 special meet on Afghanistan: Italian PM Draghi discusses matter with PM Modi

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War. This was his first speech since taking office. Mario Draghi, the former chief of European Central Bank said that the pandemic was his top priority in a long list of issues requiring urgent attention.

"The government will carry out reforms but will also tackle the emergency," he told the Senate, the upper house of parliament, where he has almost unanimous support for his new government of national unity.

The 73-year-old, parachuted in after the previous centre-left government collapsed, has been dubbed "Super Mario" since promising to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro during the 2012 debt crisis.

On Wednesday he promised to fight "with all means" the pandemic that has left more than 94,000 Italians dead and sparked a deep recession, with the economy contracting almost nine percent last year.

"Today we have, as did the governments of the immediate post-war period, the possibility -- or rather the responsibility -- to start a new reconstruction," Draghi said in his almost hour-long address.

Draghi's new government invlves wide range of parties from Silvio Berlusconi's &nbsp;Forza Italia along with leftist the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) and Matteo Salvini's eurosceptic, far-right League

Draghi was sworn in on Saturday as Italy's 30th prime minister. This ended month-long political crisis sparkes by implosion of former PM Giuseppe Conte's coalition.

On Wednesday, Draghi said it was a time of "intense emotion" personally to take over with Italy in such a "dramatic situation".

There is an increased concern about the new coronavirus variant in Italy. This has sparked a series of mini-lockdowns in towns across Italy, Draghi emphasised the importance of speeding up vaccinations.

Long-awaited overhaul

Another immediate challenge is drawing up a plan to spend what Draghi has previously called the "extraordinary resources" offered by the EU. 
Italy expects to receive more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) from the EU's post-coronavirus recovery fund, but in return, it is expected to commit to potentially difficult or unpopular reforms.

"These resources will have to be spent with an aim to improve the growth potential of our economy," Draghi said.

He promised reform to Italy's stifling bureaucracy, labyrinthine tax code and snail-paced justice system, as well as a focus on education, closing the gap on female employment and fighting climate change.

In a second speech on Wednesday evening, he also pleaded for a revival of a failed policy: forcing EU countries to each take a share of the migrants arriving from across the Mediterranean, after years of Italy shouldering much of the burden.

"As a concrete measure of solidarity, Italy -- supported equally by certain Mediterranean countries -- proposes a mechanism of obligatory redistribution of migrants," he said.

Draghi has assembled a cabinet comprising a mix of politicians and technocrats, with key portfolios linked to the EU reform agenda given to technocrats.

Late Wednesday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence -- 262 in favour, 40 against and two absentations -- in &nbsp;Draghi's government. There will be another vote in the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday.

(With AFP inputs)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War. This was his first speech since taking office. Mario Draghi, the former chief of European Central Bank said that the pandemic was his top priority in a long list of issues requiring urgent attention. "The government will carry out reforms but will also tackle the emergency," he told the Senate, the upper house of parliament, where he has almost unanimous support for his new government of national unity. The 73-year-old, parachuted in after the previous centre-left government collapsed, has been dubbed "Super Mario" since promising to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro during the 2012 debt crisis. On Wednesday he promised to fight "with all means" the pandemic that has left more than 94,000 Italians dead and sparked a deep recession, with the economy contracting almost nine percent last year. "Today we have, as did the governments of the immediate post-war period, the possibility -- or rather the responsibility -- to start a new reconstruction," Draghi said in his almost hour-long address. Draghi's new government invlves wide range of parties from Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia along with leftist the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) and Matteo Salvini's eurosceptic, far-right League Draghi was sworn in on Saturday as Italy's 30th prime minister. This ended month-long political crisis sparkes by implosion of former PM Giuseppe Conte's coalition. On Wednesday, Draghi said it was a time of "intense emotion" personally to take over with Italy in such a "dramatic situation". There is an increased concern about the new coronavirus variant in Italy. This has sparked a series of mini-lockdowns in towns across Italy, Draghi emphasised the importance of speeding up vaccinations. Long-awaited overhaul Another immediate challenge is drawing up a plan to spend what Draghi has previously called the "extraordinary resources" offered by the EU. Italy expects to receive more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) from the EU's post-coronavirus recovery fund, but in return, it is expected to commit to potentially difficult or unpopular reforms. "These resources will have to be spent with an aim to improve the growth potential of our economy," Draghi said. He promised reform to Italy's stifling bureaucracy, labyrinthine tax code and snail-paced justice system, as well as a focus on education, closing the gap on female employment and fighting climate change. In a second speech on Wednesday evening, he also pleaded for a revival of a failed policy: forcing EU countries to each take a share of the migrants arriving from across the Mediterranean, after years of Italy shouldering much of the burden. "As a concrete measure of solidarity, Italy -- supported equally by certain Mediterranean countries -- proposes a mechanism of obligatory redistribution of migrants," he said. Draghi has assembled a cabinet comprising a mix of politicians and technocrats, with key portfolios linked to the EU reform agenda given to technocrats. Late Wednesday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence -- 262 in favour, 40 against and two absentations -- in Draghi's government. There will be another vote in the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday. (With AFP inputs)

Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country

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