Italian politician Matteo Salvini has caused a stir by saying that sanctions on Russia are not working. Salvini's League Party has allied with Georgia Maloney's brother of Italy Party for the upcoming elections. Bolognese block is expected to win the September 25th elections.

Italy: Meloni's coalition expected to win Italy's September 25 elections

What are the potential flashpoints in Italy's new rightist coalition?

Rightist alliance set for Italian election victory

Days after the Draghi government fell in Italy, Right-wing leader Matteo Salvini's ties with Russia have now come under heavy scrutiny. A local newspaper reported that Salvini's aides met Russian diplomats in May.

Does Matteo Salvini share ties with Russia?

An Italian court ruled Saturday that far-right leader Matteo Salvini will face charges of kidnapping and abuse of office for blocking a migrant ship from disembarking in August 2019.

His trial was scheduled for September 15, a tribunal in the Sicilian city of Palermo said.

Salvini, head of the League party and interior minister at the time, is charged with barring migrants from landing on the island of Lampedusa after they were rescued at sea by the Spanish NGO Open Arms.

For six days, he refused to allow a ship carrying 147 mainly African migrants to land, as conditions worsened on board.

All minors and some suffering health problems were allowed to disembark.

Typically combative, Salvini tweeted Saturday that "defending the country is every citizen's sacred duty".

"That is what I will be judged for, for having defended my country? I will appear with my head held high," he said.

Salvini, who was in the court Saturday and who risks up to 15 years in prison, called it "more of a political than a judicial decision".

Open Arms welcomed the ruling, saying on Twitter it was "happy for all the people we have saved."

It is the second such case relating to Salvini's time as interior minister, when he banned all NGO rescue ships from entering Italian ports.

He faces a similar case over his decision to block around 100 migrants from disembarking from the Italian Gregoretti coastguard boat in July 2019.

His League party takes a hard line on migrants entering Italy, arguing his country bears an unfair burden as the first point of entry into Europe for those crossing on unstable boats from north Africa.&nbsp;

When he blocked the ships, Salvini was part of a coalition government and held the position of interior minister and deputy prime minister.

He has argued that the policy was not his alone, but was agreed by the government as a whole.

An Italian court ruled Saturday that far-right leader Matteo Salvini will face charges of kidnapping and abuse of office for blocking a migrant ship from disembarking in August 2019.

An Italian court ruled Saturday that far-right leader Matteo Salvini will face charges of kidnapping and abuse of office for blocking a migrant ship from disembarking in August 2019. His trial was scheduled for September 15, a tribunal in the Sicilian city of Palermo said. Salvini, head of the League party and interior minister at the time, is charged with barring migrants from landing on the island of Lampedusa after they were rescued at sea by the Spanish NGO Open Arms. For six days, he refused to allow a ship carrying 147 mainly African migrants to land, as conditions worsened on board. All minors and some suffering health problems were allowed to disembark. Typically combative, Salvini tweeted Saturday that "defending the country is every citizen's sacred duty". "That is what I will be judged for, for having defended my country? I will appear with my head held high," he said. Salvini, who was in the court Saturday and who risks up to 15 years in prison, called it "more of a political than a judicial decision". Open Arms welcomed the ruling, saying on Twitter it was "happy for all the people we have saved." It is the second such case relating to Salvini's time as interior minister, when he banned all NGO rescue ships from entering Italian ports. He faces a similar case over his decision to block around 100 migrants from disembarking from the Italian Gregoretti coastguard boat in July 2019. His League party takes a hard line on migrants entering Italy, arguing his country bears an unfair burden as the first point of entry into Europe for those crossing on unstable boats from north Africa. When he blocked the ships, Salvini was part of a coalition government and held the position of interior minister and deputy prime minister. He has argued that the policy was not his alone, but was agreed by the government as a whole.

Italy's Salvini to face trial over blocking migrant ship

Italian far-right leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini will face trial after Senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of the parliamentary protection.

A court in Sicily had earlier said Salvini faces trial for illegally detaining migrants at sea last July.&nbsp;

However, ministers cannot be tried in Italy while in office unless their parliamentary immunity is removed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803">In a new migrant standoff, Italy's Salvini blocks two NGO boats</a>

The Senate voted 152-76 in favour of removing the legal protection given to Salvini.&nbsp;

If found guilty, the head of the anti-immigrant League party can be sentenced to imprisonment upto 15 years.&nbsp;

"I have defended Italy. I have full and total faith in the justice system," Salvini said after the vote.

The former deputy premier also said that he is proud of what he has done, adding he would take similar action if he got back into power.

Salvini refused to let 116 rescued migrants leave the Gregoretti coast guard boat.&nbsp;

Salvini stressed the decision had the backing of the government and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Italian far-right leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini will face trial after Senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of the parliamentary protection.

Italian far-right leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini will face trial after Senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of the parliamentary protection. A court in Sicily had earlier said Salvini faces trial for illegally detaining migrants at sea last July. However, ministers cannot be tried in Italy while in office unless their parliamentary immunity is removed. Also read: In a new migrant standoff, Italy's Salvini blocks two NGO boats The Senate voted 152-76 in favour of removing the legal protection given to Salvini. If found guilty, the head of the anti-immigrant League party can be sentenced to imprisonment upto 15 years. "I have defended Italy. I have full and total faith in the justice system," Salvini said after the vote. The former deputy premier also said that he is proud of what he has done, adding he would take similar action if he got back into power. Salvini refused to let 116 rescued migrants leave the Gregoretti coast guard boat. Salvini stressed the decision had the backing of the government and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Italy's ex-minister Salvini to face trial in migrant detention case

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

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Italian far-right leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini will face trial after Senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of the parliamentary protection.

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day in China's Hubei province The death toll in China's coronavirus leaped to 242 in just one day with over 60,000 infected, China's health ministry said.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day in China's Hubei province The death toll in China's coronavirus leaped to 242 in just one day with over 60,000 infected, China's health ministry said. Matteo Salvini to face trial after Senate strips impunity Italian far-right leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini will face trial after Senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of the parliamentary protection. WION Edit: Donald Trump India visit - can India deal with the US President? US President Donald Trump is a showman, his extreme rhetoric won him votes but his bluster on Twitter and impulsive diplomacy have caused more pains than gains for America. South Africa beat England by 1 run in thrilling clash In a thrilling clash, the Proteas beat England by 1 run on Buffalo Park, South Africa and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Charlize Theron's star-studded Oscar selfie reminds fans of Ellen Degeneres' record breaking selfie 'Bombshell' star Charlize Theron posted a selfie with some prominent Hollywood stars from the Oscars which took fans back to 2014 selfie that host Ellen Degeneres had taken at the same ceremony. WATCH | Iranian woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day, Italy's ex-minister Salvini on trial and more

Students, pensioners and families with children filled Rome's Piazza San Giovanni on Saturday (December 14) to protest against League's Leader Matteo Salvini.

Italy rocked by anti-Salvini protest

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power.

Slashing the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 was a flagship manifesto promise of the anti-establishment <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italys-5-star-makes-deal-with-pd-to-avoid-elections-246334">Five Star Movement</a>, which rules in coalition with the country's center-left, and has promised voters it would tackle political elitism and wasteful spending.

Italy currently has the second-highest number of lawmakers in the EU after Britain -- some 630 elected representatives in the lower house and 315 in the Senate.

The constitutional reform, which will likely be subjected to a popular referendum in the coming months, would cut the number of MPs to 400 and senators to 200 from the next legislature, with an expected saving of some 100 million euros ($110 million) a year.

"It's a well-balanced reform with an excellent profile," legal expert Guido Neppi Modona told Il Fatto Quotidiano on Monday.

A reduced number of lawmakers will "lead parties to take particular care in choosing candidates," he said.

Critics have warned the cut could affect popular representation, and increase the influence of lobbyists over governing institutions -- all for a minimal saving that will have little effect on debt-laden Italy's book balance.

This is the country's eighth attempt to cut its number lawmakers since 1983, according to the Open news website.

This time it is broadly expected to be successful, with most opposition parties on board -- though the head of Italy's far-right League Matteo Salvini on Friday warned his party would wait to see if the law was "mere horse-trading".

Five Star (M5S) made the cut a condition of its alliance with the center-left Democratic Party (PD), following the collapse of the previous, far-right coalition in August.

The PD had previously voted against the reduction, but agreed to support it if it meant clinching a deal with the M5S which would prevent a return to the polls and keep popular hardliner Salvini out of power.

The party has insisted the cut be followed by a new electoral law and is pushing for the reintroduction of a proportional representation system.

Under the current mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, a winning coalition needs more than 40 percent of the vote to have the necessary parliamentary majority.

With full proportional representation, parties or coalitions would need a much bigger majority to form a government.

That would force Salvini to ditch any plans to run alone or with a small fellow far-right party at the next election, and force him instead to turn to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italy party for help, the weekly L'Espresso said.

"Why the haste to cut the seats?" Massimo Luciani said in the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, pointing out that the coalition government -- an unlikely alliance of former foes -- could fall before changes to the electoral law can be made.

"To avoid 'surprises', the package of reforms should be launched at the same time," he said.

Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian Treasury Department, told AFP the pressing need to change the electoral law could serve as glue to hold the coalition together.

He warned however that "I have a feeling that (the electoral law) won't happen very soon".

International markets and European investors watching the stability of the new coalition was right "to worry about everything," he said.

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power.

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power. Slashing the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 was a flagship manifesto promise of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which rules in coalition with the country's center-left, and has promised voters it would tackle political elitism and wasteful spending. Italy currently has the second-highest number of lawmakers in the EU after Britain -- some 630 elected representatives in the lower house and 315 in the Senate. The constitutional reform, which will likely be subjected to a popular referendum in the coming months, would cut the number of MPs to 400 and senators to 200 from the next legislature, with an expected saving of some 100 million euros ($110 million) a year. "It's a well-balanced reform with an excellent profile," legal expert Guido Neppi Modona told Il Fatto Quotidiano on Monday. A reduced number of lawmakers will "lead parties to take particular care in choosing candidates," he said. Critics have warned the cut could affect popular representation, and increase the influence of lobbyists over governing institutions -- all for a minimal saving that will have little effect on debt-laden Italy's book balance. This is the country's eighth attempt to cut its number lawmakers since 1983, according to the Open news website. This time it is broadly expected to be successful, with most opposition parties on board -- though the head of Italy's far-right League Matteo Salvini on Friday warned his party would wait to see if the law was "mere horse-trading". Five Star (M5S) made the cut a condition of its alliance with the center-left Democratic Party (PD), following the collapse of the previous, far-right coalition in August. The PD had previously voted against the reduction, but agreed to support it if it meant clinching a deal with the M5S which would prevent a return to the polls and keep popular hardliner Salvini out of power. The party has insisted the cut be followed by a new electoral law and is pushing for the reintroduction of a proportional representation system. Under the current mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, a winning coalition needs more than 40 percent of the vote to have the necessary parliamentary majority. With full proportional representation, parties or coalitions would need a much bigger majority to form a government. That would force Salvini to ditch any plans to run alone or with a small fellow far-right party at the next election, and force him instead to turn to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italy party for help, the weekly L'Espresso said. "Why the haste to cut the seats?" Massimo Luciani said in the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, pointing out that the coalition government -- an unlikely alliance of former foes -- could fall before changes to the electoral law can be made. "To avoid 'surprises', the package of reforms should be launched at the same time," he said. Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian Treasury Department, told AFP the pressing need to change the electoral law could serve as glue to hold the coalition together. He warned however that "I have a feeling that (the electoral law) won't happen very soon". International markets and European investors watching the stability of the new coalition was right "to worry about everything," he said.

Italy to vote on streamlining parliament

Italy's president asked Giuseppe Conte to head up a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD) on Thursday, a move could that could improve in Italy's fractious relations with the European Union.

Markets welcomed the quick end to a three-week political crisis triggered by League leader Matteo Salvini, who pulled his hard-right party out of its governing alliance with 5-Star after weeks of public bickering.

Salvini had wanted fresh polls to capitalise on his party's success in European elections but his plan backfired as 5-Star and the PD, lagging the League in opinion surveys, set aside their long-standing antipathy to form a government.

Italy's 10-year borrowing costs fell to an all-time low at auction on Thursday on the news as the prospect of a snap election retreated.

Conte, who told reporters he would present a cabinet list to the president in the coming days, said his priority was to draft a 2020 budget.

"We must immediately get to work and draw up a budget to avert the VAT hike, protects savers and offers solid prospects for economic growth and social development," he said.

VAT will rise from Jan. 1 unless the government can find 23 billion euros ($26 billion) elsewhere.

The creation of a new government is not yet a done deal, however, and the two parties still need to agree a shared policy platform and divide up cabinet posts.

In a further complication, 5-Star has promised to put the deal with the PD to an online vote of its members. Many 5-Star supporters oppose a pact with the centre-left and a 'yes' vote is not a certainty.

Market reaction

However, investors brushed off those concerns. Conte was seen as a voice of reason within the previous 5-Star/League coalition and investors are betting Italy will get a fiscally prudent government that will avoid confrontation with Europe.

According to the financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore, an early draft of the incoming coalition's policy platform would see it ask the EU for flexibility on the 2020 budget deficit to "reinforce social cohesion" in Italy.

The EU imposes budget rules on member states with the aim of ensuring financial stability in the bloc. It has had a testy relationship with Rome under the outgoing administration, with League leader Salvini blaming EU rules for impoverishing Italians.

Salvini had promised swingeing tax cuts for 2020 that economists warned could put unsustainable pressure on Italy's towering debt mountain.

Italy's battered blue-chip index was headed for its best weekly performance in six months news of Conte's reappointment and bond markets pushed Italy's 10-year borrowing costs to an all-time low.

"We think it will be less challenging to agree on an agenda between M5S (5-Star) and PD because the priorities both political forces have set out seem broadly consistent in many areas, ranging from fiscal policy to Italy's relationship with the EU to a focus on a green economy," UBS Wealth Management Italy's Matteo Ramenghi said.

German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said Conte's appointment was good news for Europe, adding: "I'm glad to see that the government crisis in Italy seems to have come to an end now and that a stable and new, progressive government can take the helm."

Conte, a quietly spoken academic with a penchant for smart suits, waistcoats and cufflinks, has enjoyed high poll ratings since he was plucked from relative obscurity 14 months ago to become premier. While he has no political affiliation he is considered close to 5-Star.

Italy's president asked Giuseppe Conte to head up a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD) on Thursday, a move could that could improve in Italy's fractious relations with the European Union.

Italy's president asked Giuseppe Conte to head up a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD) on Thursday, a move could that could improve in Italy's fractious relations with the European Union. Markets welcomed the quick end to a three-week political crisis triggered by League leader Matteo Salvini, who pulled his hard-right party out of its governing alliance with 5-Star after weeks of public bickering. Salvini had wanted fresh polls to capitalise on his party's success in European elections but his plan backfired as 5-Star and the PD, lagging the League in opinion surveys, set aside their long-standing antipathy to form a government. Italy's 10-year borrowing costs fell to an all-time low at auction on Thursday on the news as the prospect of a snap election retreated. Conte, who told reporters he would present a cabinet list to the president in the coming days, said his priority was to draft a 2020 budget. "We must immediately get to work and draw up a budget to avert the VAT hike, protects savers and offers solid prospects for economic growth and social development," he said. VAT will rise from Jan. 1 unless the government can find 23 billion euros ($26 billion) elsewhere. The creation of a new government is not yet a done deal, however, and the two parties still need to agree a shared policy platform and divide up cabinet posts. In a further complication, 5-Star has promised to put the deal with the PD to an online vote of its members. Many 5-Star supporters oppose a pact with the centre-left and a 'yes' vote is not a certainty. Market reaction However, investors brushed off those concerns. Conte was seen as a voice of reason within the previous 5-Star/League coalition and investors are betting Italy will get a fiscally prudent government that will avoid confrontation with Europe. According to the financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore, an early draft of the incoming coalition's policy platform would see it ask the EU for flexibility on the 2020 budget deficit to "reinforce social cohesion" in Italy. The EU imposes budget rules on member states with the aim of ensuring financial stability in the bloc. It has had a testy relationship with Rome under the outgoing administration, with League leader Salvini blaming EU rules for impoverishing Italians. Salvini had promised swingeing tax cuts for 2020 that economists warned could put unsustainable pressure on Italy's towering debt mountain. Italy's battered blue-chip index was headed for its best weekly performance in six months news of Conte's reappointment and bond markets pushed Italy's 10-year borrowing costs to an all-time low. "We think it will be less challenging to agree on an agenda between M5S (5-Star) and PD because the priorities both political forces have set out seem broadly consistent in many areas, ranging from fiscal policy to Italy's relationship with the EU to a focus on a green economy," UBS Wealth Management Italy's Matteo Ramenghi said. German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said Conte's appointment was good news for Europe, adding: "I'm glad to see that the government crisis in Italy seems to have come to an end now and that a stable and new, progressive government can take the helm." Conte, a quietly spoken academic with a penchant for smart suits, waistcoats and cufflinks, has enjoyed high poll ratings since he was plucked from relative obscurity 14 months ago to become premier. While he has no political affiliation he is considered close to 5-Star.

Italy's Giuseppe  Conte gets green light to form new government

Italian President Sergio Mattarella begins talks with key players on Wednesday in a bid to end Italy's political limbo the day after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella begins talks with key players on Wednesday in a bid to end Italy's political limbo the day after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned. The usually mild-mannered Conte handed in his resignation after lashing out at far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the ruling coalition with the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S). The move left the eurozone's third-largest economy in a political vacuum until Mattarella decides whether to form a new coalition or call an election after talks with parties in the coming days. Meanwhile, Mattarella charged Conte with heading a caretaker administration, pending consultations on a new government which are set to begin at 1400 GMT. Italy's constitution says that Mattarella should first consult former presidents, meaning Senator Giorgio Napolitano, 94, who was in the job from 2006-2015. Those talks will be by telephone as Napolitano is not in Rome, and will be followed by talks with house speakers and the leaders of political groups. "It is irresponsible to initiate a government crisis," Conte told the Senate on Tuesday after Salvini tried to bring down the government in the hope of snap elections that could make him premier. Salvini plunged Italy into crisis with the shock announcement on August 8 that his anti-migrant League party was pulling out of the 14-month coalition government with the M5S. The League and M5S agreed for Conte to be premier after lengthy talks before forming a government in June last year. Snap election? A range of options are now open to Mattarella, with a new government possible as soon as Friday. A snap election, the forming of a new coalition without holding a new vote, and -- although unlikely -- the continuation of the current government will all be considered. "Making citizens vote is the essence of democracy, asking them to vote every year is irresponsible," Conte said as League senators booed and hissed. The political crisis has raised concerns about the Italian economy, whose debt ratio at 132 per cent of gross domestic product is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece. Since the unwieldy government was formed, uncertainty under the coalition has cost the country an extra five billion euros ($5.54 billion) in interest on its debt. Salvini's plan for a snap election -- more than three years early -- had envisioned a vote in October followed by him being crowned as prime minister. According to opinion polls, the League could form a coalition with the anti-immigration, anti-LGBT Brothers of Italy, and possibly Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia. But a bid by his rivals to put aside their differences and forge an alliance could derail Salvini's plan, with a coalition between M5S and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) being discussed. While there is bad blood between the two parties, M5S is languishing in the polls and wants to avoid an early election. Former PD premier Matteo Renzi on Tuesday said that he "would not be part" of a PD-M5S alliance, as many in the anti-establishment party resent him as part of the old elite. According to some analysts, Conte could also stay on as premier while trying to form an alliance with PD.

Italy's kingmaker Mattarella holds talks after PM Conte resigns

Italian Prime Minister&nbsp;Giuseppe&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-situation-on-migrant-rescue-boat-in-limbo-off-italy-243498">Matteo Salvini</a> for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition.

"I'm ending this government experience here... I will go to the president of the republic (Sergio Mattarella) to inform him of my resignation", after a Senate debate,&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said after an almost hour-long speech to the chamber.

"It is irresponsible to initiate a government crisis,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said after Salvini began his efforts to bring down the government in the hope of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302">snap elections</a> he hoped would make him premier.

"It shows personal and party interests,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said of the end of the alliance between the anti-migrant League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.

Conte&nbsp;was speaking following a week of fallout from Salvini's decision to back out of the alliance on August 8, plunging the eurozone's third-largest economy into political turmoil.

Afer&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;announced his intention to resign, Salvini hit back saying: "Thank you, finally, I would do it all again."

Salvini "violated the solemn promise he took when the government began that if there were differences they should be discussed in good faith and with loyal collaboration,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said as League senators booed and hissed.

"Making citizens vote is the essence of democracy, asking them to vote every year is irresponsible,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;added.

"I heard you calling for 'full powers' and invoke (demonstrations in) the piazzas to support you, which worries me,"&nbsp;Conte said.

Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1922 assumed so-called full powers to govern the country at his whim.

"We don't need full powers but leaders who have a sense of institutions,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said.

A small group of protesters heckled League senators as they arrived at the Senate.

"Get out, buffoons, get out mafia," the protesters shouted, prompting a League senator to wave his middle finger at them.

Other protesters held banners reading "I'm with Salvini".

The likely end of the 14-month-old government would open the way for Mattarella to begin consultations with political parties, with a range of options available.&nbsp;

A snap election, the forming of a new coalition without holding a new vote and, although unlikely, the continuation of the current government, would all be considered.

Ahead of the premier's speech, protesters unfurled a banner near parliament that read: "Conte,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-build-on-migrant-ship-off-italy-10-jump-overboard-244377"> Italy</a> loves you".

But Salvini told Radio 24 that the other parties feared new elections: "What is the point of a government with everyone 'against Salvini'? A government must be strong to be able to act."

Debt laden economy

The political crisis has raised concerns about the Italian economy, whose debt ratio at 132 per cent of gross domestic product is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece.

Since the unwieldy government was formed in June 2018, uncertainty under the coalition has cost the country an extra five billion euros ($5.54 billion) in interest on its debt, the Il Sole 24 Ore financial newspaper reported.

Salvini's plan for a snap election -- more than three years early -- had envisioned a vote in October followed by him being crowned as prime minister.

According to opinion polls, the League could form a coalition with the anti-immigration, anti-LGBT Brothers of Italy, and possibly Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia.&nbsp;

But a bid by his rivals to put aside their differences and forge an alliance could derail Salvini's plan, with a coalition between M5S and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) being discussed.

While there is bad blood between the two parties, M5S is languishing in the polls and wants to avoid an early election.

A PD-M5S coalition could lead to the opposite of what Salvini intended -- with him out of government altogether instead of being its sole leader.

Untrustworthy Traitor

According to some analysts,&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;could also stay on as premier while trying to form an alliance with PD.

M5S leader Luigi Di Maio sent an open letter on Tuesday calling for&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;to take this option, describing him as a "rare pearl, a servant of the nation that Italy cannot lose".

Caught on the back foot, Salvini has sought to re-establish some coalition ties and said he would be willing to back an M5S proposal to cut the number of lawmakers from 950 to 605, but only if new elections were then swiftly held.

Salvini has been furious at the idea of being squeezed out by an M5S-PD alliance, saying he would get his supporters to "peacefully take to the streets" if it came about.

Salvini has also softened his tone regarding the premier, saying: "Conte&nbsp;remains my prime minister and my phone is always on."

But M5S founder, the comedian Beppe Grillo, has rejected talk of reconciliation with Salvini, whom he reportedly described as an "untrustworthy traitor".

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition. "I'm ending this government experience here... I will go to the president of the republic (Sergio Mattarella) to inform him of my resignation", after a Senate debate, Conte said after an almost hour-long speech to the chamber. "It is irresponsible to initiate a government crisis," Conte said after Salvini began his efforts to bring down the government in the hope of snap elections he hoped would make him premier. "It shows personal and party interests," Conte said of the end of the alliance between the anti-migrant League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement. Conte was speaking following a week of fallout from Salvini's decision to back out of the alliance on August 8, plunging the eurozone's third-largest economy into political turmoil. Afer Conte announced his intention to resign, Salvini hit back saying: "Thank you, finally, I would do it all again." Salvini "violated the solemn promise he took when the government began that if there were differences they should be discussed in good faith and with loyal collaboration," Conte said as League senators booed and hissed. "Making citizens vote is the essence of democracy, asking them to vote every year is irresponsible," Conte added. "I heard you calling for 'full powers' and invoke (demonstrations in) the piazzas to support you, which worries me," Conte said. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1922 assumed so-called full powers to govern the country at his whim. "We don't need full powers but leaders who have a sense of institutions," Conte said. A small group of protesters heckled League senators as they arrived at the Senate. "Get out, buffoons, get out mafia," the protesters shouted, prompting a League senator to wave his middle finger at them. Other protesters held banners reading "I'm with Salvini". The likely end of the 14-month-old government would open the way for Mattarella to begin consultations with political parties, with a range of options available. A snap election, the forming of a new coalition without holding a new vote and, although unlikely, the continuation of the current government, would all be considered. Ahead of the premier's speech, protesters unfurled a banner near parliament that read: "Conte, Italy loves you". But Salvini told Radio 24 that the other parties feared new elections: "What is the point of a government with everyone 'against Salvini'? A government must be strong to be able to act." Debt laden economy The political crisis has raised concerns about the Italian economy, whose debt ratio at 132 per cent of gross domestic product is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece. Since the unwieldy government was formed in June 2018, uncertainty under the coalition has cost the country an extra five billion euros ($5.54 billion) in interest on its debt, the Il Sole 24 Ore financial newspaper reported. Salvini's plan for a snap election -- more than three years early -- had envisioned a vote in October followed by him being crowned as prime minister. According to opinion polls, the League could form a coalition with the anti-immigration, anti-LGBT Brothers of Italy, and possibly Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia. But a bid by his rivals to put aside their differences and forge an alliance could derail Salvini's plan, with a coalition between M5S and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) being discussed. While there is bad blood between the two parties, M5S is languishing in the polls and wants to avoid an early election. A PD-M5S coalition could lead to the opposite of what Salvini intended -- with him out of government altogether instead of being its sole leader. Untrustworthy Traitor According to some analysts, Conte could also stay on as premier while trying to form an alliance with PD. M5S leader Luigi Di Maio sent an open letter on Tuesday calling for Conte to take this option, describing him as a "rare pearl, a servant of the nation that Italy cannot lose". Caught on the back foot, Salvini has sought to re-establish some coalition ties and said he would be willing to back an M5S proposal to cut the number of lawmakers from 950 to 605, but only if new elections were then swiftly held. Salvini has been furious at the idea of being squeezed out by an M5S-PD alliance, saying he would get his supporters to "peacefully take to the streets" if it came about. Salvini has also softened his tone regarding the premier, saying: "Conte remains my prime minister and my phone is always on." But M5S founder, the comedian Beppe Grillo, has rejected talk of reconciliation with Salvini, whom he reportedly described as an "untrustworthy traitor".

Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte set to resign

Tensions&nbsp;rose on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../explosive-situation-on-migrant-rescue-boat-in- limbo-off-italy-243498"> rescue&nbsp;ship</a>&nbsp;stranded&nbsp;off&nbsp;southern&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;on Tuesday, as&nbsp;10&nbsp;of the&nbsp;migrants aboard&nbsp;jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

The&nbsp;ship&nbsp;Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost&nbsp;100&nbsp;migrants onboard, has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants ashore, despite an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Italian ban</a> on private rescue&nbsp;ships docking.

Italy&nbsp;says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe.

It's interior minister says the charity-run&nbsp;ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted.

It had earlier tweeted that one other&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;had&nbsp;jumped in the water and posted a video of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat.

"Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has&nbsp;jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate."

The man&nbsp;overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said.

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants have been taken ashore since the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

The remaining&nbsp;migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets.

Open Arms says some are suicidal.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;into snap elections.

The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue.

Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has&nbsp;offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has&nbsp;offered them safe harbour.

But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms&nbsp;ship&nbsp;by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force.

Separate talks are also underway between&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate.

"They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday.

Camps has ruled out the option of taking the&nbsp;migrants to Spain on the Open Arms&nbsp;ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey.

If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying&nbsp;Italy's ban and attempting to dock.

Asked if the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option".

Spain's left-wing government&nbsp;offered on Monday to allow the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The details of the&nbsp;offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel. The ship Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard, has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African migrants ashore, despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. Italy says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. It's interior minister says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted. It had earlier tweeted that one other migrant had jumped in the water and posted a video of the migrant swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat. "Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate." The man overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said. Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. The remaining migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets. Open Arms says some are suicidal. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag Italy into snap elections. The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue. Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has offered them safe harbour. But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force. Separate talks are also underway between Italy and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate. "They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday. Camps has ruled out the option of taking the migrants to Spain on the Open Arms ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey. If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying Italy's ban and attempting to dock. Asked if the ship would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option". Spain's left-wing government offered on Monday to allow the ship to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Tensions rise on migrant ship off Italy; 10 jump overboard

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel</a> to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining.

The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically".

"Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television.

"This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore."

This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome.

Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government.

Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302"> squabbling with coalition partner </a>the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues.

"France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters.

In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports".

Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean.

Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years."

The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long.

"People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted.&nbsp;

Listening to my conscience&nbsp;

After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed.

The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis.

Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order.&nbsp;

But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree.

Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday.

Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience".

It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants.

The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable."

The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya.

Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

&nbsp;

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach. Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining. The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically". "Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television. "This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore." This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome. Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government. Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been squabbling with coalition partner the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues. "France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters. In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports". Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years." The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long. "People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted. Listening to my conscience After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed. The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis. Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order. But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree. Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday. Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience". It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants. Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants. The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable." The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya. Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

'Explosive' situation on migrant rescue boat in limbo off Italy

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on.

Salvini's far-right League on Friday filed a no-confidence motion to bring down the government it formed with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, a move that he hopes will trigger new elections as soon as October and install him as Italy's new leader.

But that plan is facing criticism from other parties, whose support the League would need in parliament for the no-confidence vote to succeed.

Former Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi, who still wields strong influence over his centre-left party, said on Sunday going back to the polls just when the government is due to start preparations for the 2020 budget would be "crazy".

In an interview with Corriere della Sera daily, Renzi called instead for a caretaker government to be installed with the support of parties across the political spectrum.

Such an administration's first task would be to find some 23 billion euros ($25.8 billion) to avert a rise in sales tax which will otherwise kick in from January.

"We will head back to the polls, of course. But the savings of Italians must come first," he said.

He also backed 5-Star's call for legislation cutting the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 to be passed before new elections. There are currently 630 members of the lower house and 315 senators.

5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio also said on Sunday that triggering a government crisis now was "foolish and dangerous."

While the PD and 5-Star remain far apart on many issues, commentators sensed a rapprochement between the two sides, united by their desire of foiling Salvini's plans given that he would likely emerge as the winner of a snap election.

The draft bill cutting the number of lawmakers is at an advanced stage, with a final vote due next month, but such a measure would have to follow a lengthy constitutional procedure that would make new elections unlikely for another year.

With parliament closed for the summer holidays, Salvini has been waging an unofficial election campaign on Italian beaches, a perfect venue for his down-market, "man-of-the-people" persona.

"Stitch-up"

5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls.

Salvini, who effectively triggered the crisis on Thursday by declaring the ruling coalition unworkable, accused his critics of scheming to save their posts and keep him from power.

"Under-the-table stitch-ups, palace intrigues, technocrat or caretaker administrations will not stop Italians who want a strong government," he said on Facebook on Sunday.

Despite the summer recess, Salvini has summoned all League lawmakers back to Rome on Monday and is pushing for a vote on the no-confidence motion against the government this week, while opposition parties would prefer to wait until Aug. 19-20.

The decision lies with the heads of political groups in the Senate, who will meet on Monday to set a timetable.

Only President Sergio Mattarella has the power to dissolve parliament and he may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must be presented to parliament and the European Commission the following month.

He could try instead to form a new government from the existing legislature before resorting to an election.

Salvini's shock decision to call time on the 14-month-old government last week threw the euro zone's third-largest economy, whose public debt is the second highest in the single currency bloc, into deeper political uncertainty, sparking a sell-off in Italian bonds and shares.

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on.

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on. Salvini's far-right League on Friday filed a no-confidence motion to bring down the government it formed with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, a move that he hopes will trigger new elections as soon as October and install him as Italy's new leader. But that plan is facing criticism from other parties, whose support the League would need in parliament for the no-confidence vote to succeed. Former Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi, who still wields strong influence over his centre-left party, said on Sunday going back to the polls just when the government is due to start preparations for the 2020 budget would be "crazy". In an interview with Corriere della Sera daily, Renzi called instead for a caretaker government to be installed with the support of parties across the political spectrum. Such an administration's first task would be to find some 23 billion euros ($25.8 billion) to avert a rise in sales tax which will otherwise kick in from January. "We will head back to the polls, of course. But the savings of Italians must come first," he said. He also backed 5-Star's call for legislation cutting the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 to be passed before new elections. There are currently 630 members of the lower house and 315 senators. 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio also said on Sunday that triggering a government crisis now was "foolish and dangerous." While the PD and 5-Star remain far apart on many issues, commentators sensed a rapprochement between the two sides, united by their desire of foiling Salvini's plans given that he would likely emerge as the winner of a snap election. The draft bill cutting the number of lawmakers is at an advanced stage, with a final vote due next month, but such a measure would have to follow a lengthy constitutional procedure that would make new elections unlikely for another year. With parliament closed for the summer holidays, Salvini has been waging an unofficial election campaign on Italian beaches, a perfect venue for his down-market, "man-of-the-people" persona. "Stitch-up" 5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls. Salvini, who effectively triggered the crisis on Thursday by declaring the ruling coalition unworkable, accused his critics of scheming to save their posts and keep him from power. "Under-the-table stitch-ups, palace intrigues, technocrat or caretaker administrations will not stop Italians who want a strong government," he said on Facebook on Sunday. Despite the summer recess, Salvini has summoned all League lawmakers back to Rome on Monday and is pushing for a vote on the no-confidence motion against the government this week, while opposition parties would prefer to wait until Aug. 19-20. The decision lies with the heads of political groups in the Senate, who will meet on Monday to set a timetable. Only President Sergio Mattarella has the power to dissolve parliament and he may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must be presented to parliament and the European Commission the following month. He could try instead to form a new government from the existing legislature before resorting to an election. Salvini's shock decision to call time on the 14-month-old government last week threw the euro zone's third-largest economy, whose public debt is the second highest in the single currency bloc, into deeper political uncertainty, sparking a sell-off in Italian bonds and shares.

Italy Deputy Prime Minister Salvini's quest for snap election faces hurdles

Far-right Interior Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-government-wins-a-confidence-vote-on-decree-targeting-migrant-rescue-ships-241066">Matteo Salvini pulled his support for Italy's governing coalition</a> on Thursday and called for snap elections, prompting the country's premier to demand that he "justify" his decision to provoke a political crisis. &nbsp;

Salvini, whose hardline League Party has already called for snap polls, has clashed with his fellow Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) party over a range of policies.

He stepped up the pressure on Thursday, saying there was no longer a majority to support a government and calling for new elections.

"Let's go straight to parliament to say there is no longer a majority... and quickly go back to the voters," Salvini said.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who had held separate talks with Salvini and the country's President Sergio Mattarella as the crisis deepened, said in a statement later that the interior minister doesn't summon parliament and "it's not up to him to dictate the steps of the political crisis."

Conte called on Salvini "to explain to the country and justify to the electorate, who believed in the possibility of change, the reasons that brought him to abruptly interrupt" the activities of the government. &nbsp;

Both houses of parliament are currently on recess for the holidays and are not due back until September.

Long-rumbling tensions between the 14-month-old coalition's populist leaders have peaked in recent days, with the row centred on the financing of a multi-billion-euro high-speed train line.

Shifting political sands

An early election may benefit Salvini, with recent opinion polls putting his League party ahead, leaving open the possibility that it could govern in alliance with another, a smaller far-right party, Fratelli d'Italia.

That reflects the inversion in the popularity of the coalition partners, which came to power in June 2018 after an election that saw M5S take 32 per cent of the vote, while the League scored 17 per cent.

In the European election in May this year, however, the League took the most votes in Italy with 34 per cent. M5S received around 17 per cent.&nbsp;

The partnership, which has been rocked by ongoing spats, has appeared to sour further in recent weeks.

Italian media has reported that Salvini, in earlier talks with Conte, set conditions for staying in the coalition -- including the resignation of the transport, defence and economy ministers, who have resisted his projects and policies.

"The League and M5S have been diverging in their vision for too long, on matters that are fundamental for the country," the League said in its statement on Thursday.

"This government's only option is to let Italians have their say" by calling elections, it added.

Salvini on Thursday denounced "repeated insults against me and the League by supposed allies".&nbsp;

Later at a meeting in the central coastal city of Pescara, he set a campaigning tone.

"We are told that we cannot reduce taxes. We will prove if you give us the power to do so, that it is possible to reduce taxes on Italian workers," Salvini told supporters.&nbsp;

Snap elections?

For his part, Di Maio said that his M5S party "is ready" to return to the polls.&nbsp;

The opposition has also called on the government to resign, arguing it no longer has a workable majority in parliament after Di Maio voted against the Lyon-Turin rail project, which involves an 8.6-billion-euro ($9.8-billion) tunnel through the Alps.

But President Mattarella, who has the sole power to dissolve parliament, has insisted there must be a government in place to finalise the budget, a first draft of which has to be submitted to EU authorities by the end of September.

The government is struggling to rein in its public deficit and its mammoth debt mountain of more than 2.3 trillion euros.

Italian news agency AIG on Thursday said that the Senate could convene as early as August 20 in order to declare the end of the government, with the dissolution of parliament possible in the following days.&nbsp;

According to Italy's constitution, new elections would then have to be held within 50 to 70 days.

Far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini pulled his support for Italy's governing coalition on Thursday and called for snap elections, prompting the country's premier to demand that he "justify" his decision to provoke a political crisis.

Far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini pulled his support for Italy's governing coalition on Thursday and called for snap elections, prompting the country's premier to demand that he "justify" his decision to provoke a political crisis. Salvini, whose hardline League Party has already called for snap polls, has clashed with his fellow Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) party over a range of policies. He stepped up the pressure on Thursday, saying there was no longer a majority to support a government and calling for new elections. "Let's go straight to parliament to say there is no longer a majority... and quickly go back to the voters," Salvini said. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who had held separate talks with Salvini and the country's President Sergio Mattarella as the crisis deepened, said in a statement later that the interior minister doesn't summon parliament and "it's not up to him to dictate the steps of the political crisis." Conte called on Salvini "to explain to the country and justify to the electorate, who believed in the possibility of change, the reasons that brought him to abruptly interrupt" the activities of the government. Both houses of parliament are currently on recess for the holidays and are not due back until September. Long-rumbling tensions between the 14-month-old coalition's populist leaders have peaked in recent days, with the row centred on the financing of a multi-billion-euro high-speed train line. Shifting political sands An early election may benefit Salvini, with recent opinion polls putting his League party ahead, leaving open the possibility that it could govern in alliance with another, a smaller far-right party, Fratelli d'Italia. That reflects the inversion in the popularity of the coalition partners, which came to power in June 2018 after an election that saw M5S take 32 per cent of the vote, while the League scored 17 per cent. In the European election in May this year, however, the League took the most votes in Italy with 34 per cent. M5S received around 17 per cent. The partnership, which has been rocked by ongoing spats, has appeared to sour further in recent weeks. Italian media has reported that Salvini, in earlier talks with Conte, set conditions for staying in the coalition -- including the resignation of the transport, defence and economy ministers, who have resisted his projects and policies. "The League and M5S have been diverging in their vision for too long, on matters that are fundamental for the country," the League said in its statement on Thursday. "This government's only option is to let Italians have their say" by calling elections, it added. Salvini on Thursday denounced "repeated insults against me and the League by supposed allies". Later at a meeting in the central coastal city of Pescara, he set a campaigning tone. "We are told that we cannot reduce taxes. We will prove if you give us the power to do so, that it is possible to reduce taxes on Italian workers," Salvini told supporters. Snap elections? For his part, Di Maio said that his M5S party "is ready" to return to the polls. The opposition has also called on the government to resign, arguing it no longer has a workable majority in parliament after Di Maio voted against the Lyon-Turin rail project, which involves an 8.6-billion-euro ($9.8-billion) tunnel through the Alps. But President Mattarella, who has the sole power to dissolve parliament, has insisted there must be a government in place to finalise the budget, a first draft of which has to be submitted to EU authorities by the end of September. The government is struggling to rein in its public deficit and its mammoth debt mountain of more than 2.3 trillion euros. Italian news agency AIG on Thursday said that the Senate could convene as early as August 20 in order to declare the end of the government, with the dissolution of parliament possible in the following days. According to Italy's constitution, new elections would then have to be held within 50 to 70 days.

Interior minister Matteo Salvini pulls support for Italian coalition, calls for snap polls

Italy's government, formed by the 5-Star Movement and the League party, will not fall as it is "the only possible one", <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-new-government-will-overhaul-renzi-labour-reform-minister-says-141946">Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio</a> told the daily Il Corriere Della Sera in an interview published on Thursday.

Di Maio, who is also the 5-Stars' leader, said the party would never form an alternative majority with the centre-left PD party.

In a separate interview with the paper, Matteo Salvini, the other deputy prime minister and League leader, said there was still time to dissolve parliament and go to elections after the summer break, but that it was up to 5-Stars to decide whether Rome's populist government would survive.

Italy's government, formed by the 5-Star Movement and the League party, will not fall as it is "the only possible one", Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio told the daily Il Corriere Della Sera in an interview published on Thursday.

Italy's government, formed by the 5-Star Movement and the League party, will not fall as it is "the only possible one", Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio told the daily Il Corriere Della Sera in an interview published on Thursday. Di Maio, who is also the 5-Stars' leader, said the party would never form an alternative majority with the centre-left PD party. In a separate interview with the paper, Matteo Salvini, the other deputy prime minister and League leader, said there was still time to dissolve parliament and go to elections after the summer break, but that it was up to 5-Stars to decide whether Rome's populist government would survive.

Italy's Di Maio says government to survive, rules out alternative majority: Paper

What was once Europe's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-40-killed-in-air-strike-on-libya-migrant-centre-232617">migrant reception centre</a>, in Mineo in Sicily, is to officially close on Tuesday in the presence of its biggest critic, far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.&nbsp;

"Promise kept," Salvini said last week when the centre's final inhabitants were removed, to be sent to another centre in Calabria.

This reception centre, a former housing complex for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-shooting-down-american-drone-us-military-declines-to-comment-228857">US military</a> that resembles an American suburb, is now guarded by Italian troops who block access under a roasting Sicilian sun.

At its peak in 2014, Mineo housed more than 4,100 people.

Its population then steadily dropped. When anti-migrant Salvini and the populist Five Star Movement came to power in June last year, it housed 2,500.&nbsp;

Since then Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, has declared war on charity rescue vessels, barring their entry to Italian ports in recent weeks. Thousands of migrants nevertheless continue to arrive by their means or are rescued by the Italian authorities.

Psychologist Massimiliano Terrasi stood amid the arid countryside outside the centre where he worked since 2011, disappointed at what he said could have been.

"Hopes were high when the centre first opened and we grew professionally," he told AFP-TV.

"Well managed, it could have been an asset for the area and people's mutual understanding," he lamented, voicing anger at the abrupt end to his years of work, final wages still unpaid.

In the beginning, care and hygiene conditions were decent, he said. But things started to deteriorate when the population went over 3,000.

"If you look at how the centre was in the end, it's a good thing that it closed. But if you think what it could have been, it's a pity," he said.

Built 'on numbers'&nbsp;

Resident Sergio Mastrilli was more critical, as he drank a beer on a Mineo bar terrace.

"When the centre first opened, I immediately thought it wasn't a good thing," he said.

"It wasn't a reception centre built on integration but numbers."

Mastrilli, a 25-year-old law student, is a supporter of Luigi di Maio's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which is in a ruling coalition with Salvini's Lega for the last 13 months.

"There were more than 4,000 people from 85 different ethnicity, while Mineo has around 5,000 inhabitants," he said.

He called for a Europe-wide solution to migration and suggested "many migrants would like to stay in their own countries" if they could.

The centre's 400 small yellow and pink houses lie in tidy rows, a reminder of the time when US families from the neighbouring base at Sigonella called it home.

But the US military gave up its lease in 2010, and the arrival of the reception centre and migrants made Sicilians in the area both worried and jealous.

The migrants were notably prepared to work for 10 or 20 euros (11-22 dollars) a day during the orange harvest, angering locals who could not work for so little.

'A big illusion'&nbsp;

But the centre also employed 400 people in the area, and Mineo's current mayor, Giuseppe Mistretta, has threatened to resign if the state does not help with the post-migrant transition.

"Mineo's closure is the inexorable epilogue of a big illusion, in a region starved of jobs," said Sicily's conservative regional president Nello Musumeci.

Several judicial probes are currently underway, implicating notably Mineo's former mayor and the centre's former director.&nbsp;

Allegations include preferential awarding of contracts, and the exaggeration of migrant numbers to attract state subsidies that accompanied each new arrival.

In January, police broke up a Nigerian organised crime drug dealing group based within the centre, and a prostitution ring.

What was once Europe's biggest migrant reception centre, in Mineo in Sicily, is to officially close on Tuesday in the presence of its biggest critic, far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

What was once Europe's biggest migrant reception centre, in Mineo in Sicily, is to officially close on Tuesday in the presence of its biggest critic, far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. "Promise kept," Salvini said last week when the centre's final inhabitants were removed, to be sent to another centre in Calabria. This reception centre, a former housing complex for the US military that resembles an American suburb, is now guarded by Italian troops who block access under a roasting Sicilian sun. At its peak in 2014, Mineo housed more than 4,100 people. Its population then steadily dropped. When anti-migrant Salvini and the populist Five Star Movement came to power in June last year, it housed 2,500. Since then Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, has declared war on charity rescue vessels, barring their entry to Italian ports in recent weeks. Thousands of migrants nevertheless continue to arrive by their means or are rescued by the Italian authorities. Psychologist Massimiliano Terrasi stood amid the arid countryside outside the centre where he worked since 2011, disappointed at what he said could have been. "Hopes were high when the centre first opened and we grew professionally," he told AFP-TV. "Well managed, it could have been an asset for the area and people's mutual understanding," he lamented, voicing anger at the abrupt end to his years of work, final wages still unpaid. In the beginning, care and hygiene conditions were decent, he said. But things started to deteriorate when the population went over 3,000. "If you look at how the centre was in the end, it's a good thing that it closed. But if you think what it could have been, it's a pity," he said. Built 'on numbers' Resident Sergio Mastrilli was more critical, as he drank a beer on a Mineo bar terrace. "When the centre first opened, I immediately thought it wasn't a good thing," he said. "It wasn't a reception centre built on integration but numbers." Mastrilli, a 25-year-old law student, is a supporter of Luigi di Maio's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which is in a ruling coalition with Salvini's Lega for the last 13 months. "There were more than 4,000 people from 85 different ethnicity, while Mineo has around 5,000 inhabitants," he said. He called for a Europe-wide solution to migration and suggested "many migrants would like to stay in their own countries" if they could. The centre's 400 small yellow and pink houses lie in tidy rows, a reminder of the time when US families from the neighbouring base at Sigonella called it home. But the US military gave up its lease in 2010, and the arrival of the reception centre and migrants made Sicilians in the area both worried and jealous. The migrants were notably prepared to work for 10 or 20 euros (11-22 dollars) a day during the orange harvest, angering locals who could not work for so little. 'A big illusion' But the centre also employed 400 people in the area, and Mineo's current mayor, Giuseppe Mistretta, has threatened to resign if the state does not help with the post-migrant transition. "Mineo's closure is the inexorable epilogue of a big illusion, in a region starved of jobs," said Sicily's conservative regional president Nello Musumeci. Several judicial probes are currently underway, implicating notably Mineo's former mayor and the centre's former director. Allegations include preferential awarding of contracts, and the exaggeration of migrant numbers to attract state subsidies that accompanied each new arrival. In January, police broke up a Nigerian organised crime drug dealing group based within the centre, and a prostitution ring.

Europe's once biggest migrant centre to close in Italy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-rescue-sailboat-defies-italys-salvini-docks-in-italy-233653">Migrants on board</a> a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-enters-migrant-ships-dispute-with-appeal-for-safe-ports-188565">Maltese port</a> before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday.

The German-flagged Alan Kurdi, which has 65 migrants on board, decided on Saturday to change course for Malta after a standoff with the Italian government.

It is the latest of several vessels carrying migrants that have faced problems trying to dock in an Italian port in the past couple of weeks.

Italy's migration policy has led to clashes between NGOs and Italian authorities over rules that effectively close off the country's ports to their boats.

In a tweet on Sunday, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said following talks with the European Commission and Germany the 65 migrants on the ship would be transferred to one of its boats and brought to a Maltese port.

"All rescued persons on board will be immediately relocated to other EU member states," he said, adding that none of the migrants would remain in Malta.

German interior minister Horst Seehofer welcomed the development in a statement, saying 94 of 123 migrants from ships that were allowed to land in Malta would be shared among EU member states. "In the spirit of European solidarity, we will take up to 40 of them."

Italy's coalition government, which includes the right-wing League, has been blaming European partners for leaving it to deal with sea arrivals alone.

New rules were adopted last month threatening NGO ships entering Italian waters without permission with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and the impounding of their vessels.

On June 29, Italian police arrested the German captain of the Dutch-flagged Sea-Watch 3, operated by a German charity, after the vessel docked at the island port of Lampedusa though she was later released.

Lonely

Earlier on Sunday, 41 migrants on another rescue boat were taken ashore at Lampedusa despite repeated warnings from Italy's interior minister Matteo Salvini they would not be allowed to disembark.

Salvini, head of the ruling League party and also deputy prime minister, has taken a tough line against migrant rescue ships and accuses other EU countries of not doing their share.

Salvini responded angrily when Germany's Seehofer asked him in a letter to rethink his closed ports policy.

"Dear German government, I'm not reopening the ports ... if anything we're going to put ... (the migrants) in a car and take them to the German embassy," Salvini said in a video on his Facebook page.

In a tweet on Sunday Germany’s Europe minister Michael Roth thanked Malta over the Alan Kurdi. "What we need is a sustainable European solution based on solidarity, humanity &amp; efficiency. We must act right now,” Roth said.

Italy has been one of the main targets for migrants looking to get to Europe through North Africa, especially from Libya.

Salvini's hardline stance on migrants and rescue ships has helped boost his party's popularity.

A poll published in Italy's Corriere Della Sera on Saturday said 59% of Italians were in favor of shutting Italian ports to migrants and NGO vessels.

But there are signs of tension in the ruling coalition, where the League governs alongside the populist 5-Star Movement.

On Saturday, Salvini said on his Facebook page he "felt lonely" and called on fellow ministers to help more over migrants, singling out the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.

The Treasury said it had been closely following things and had done everything to try and impose the ban on vessels entering Italian waters and docking.

The Defense Ministry, which oversees the navy, was reported by the Italian media as saying it had offered Salvini's ministry assistance in recent days.

Migrants on board a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a Maltese port before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday.

Migrants on board a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a Maltese port before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday. The German-flagged Alan Kurdi, which has 65 migrants on board, decided on Saturday to change course for Malta after a standoff with the Italian government. It is the latest of several vessels carrying migrants that have faced problems trying to dock in an Italian port in the past couple of weeks. Italy's migration policy has led to clashes between NGOs and Italian authorities over rules that effectively close off the country's ports to their boats. In a tweet on Sunday, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said following talks with the European Commission and Germany the 65 migrants on the ship would be transferred to one of its boats and brought to a Maltese port. "All rescued persons on board will be immediately relocated to other EU member states," he said, adding that none of the migrants would remain in Malta. German interior minister Horst Seehofer welcomed the development in a statement, saying 94 of 123 migrants from ships that were allowed to land in Malta would be shared among EU member states. "In the spirit of European solidarity, we will take up to 40 of them." Italy's coalition government, which includes the right-wing League, has been blaming European partners for leaving it to deal with sea arrivals alone. New rules were adopted last month threatening NGO ships entering Italian waters without permission with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and the impounding of their vessels. On June 29, Italian police arrested the German captain of the Dutch-flagged Sea-Watch 3, operated by a German charity, after the vessel docked at the island port of Lampedusa though she was later released. Lonely Earlier on Sunday, 41 migrants on another rescue boat were taken ashore at Lampedusa despite repeated warnings from Italy's interior minister Matteo Salvini they would not be allowed to disembark. Salvini, head of the ruling League party and also deputy prime minister, has taken a tough line against migrant rescue ships and accuses other EU countries of not doing their share. Salvini responded angrily when Germany's Seehofer asked him in a letter to rethink his closed ports policy. "Dear German government, I'm not reopening the ports ... if anything we're going to put ... (the migrants) in a car and take them to the German embassy," Salvini said in a video on his Facebook page. In a tweet on Sunday Germany’s Europe minister Michael Roth thanked Malta over the Alan Kurdi. "What we need is a sustainable European solution based on solidarity, humanity & efficiency. We must act right now,” Roth said. Italy has been one of the main targets for migrants looking to get to Europe through North Africa, especially from Libya. Salvini's hardline stance on migrants and rescue ships has helped boost his party's popularity. A poll published in Italy's Corriere Della Sera on Saturday said 59% of Italians were in favor of shutting Italian ports to migrants and NGO vessels. But there are signs of tension in the ruling coalition, where the League governs alongside the populist 5-Star Movement. On Saturday, Salvini said on his Facebook page he "felt lonely" and called on fellow ministers to help more over migrants, singling out the Defense Ministry and the Treasury. The Treasury said it had been closely following things and had done everything to try and impose the ban on vessels entering Italian waters and docking. The Defense Ministry, which oversees the navy, was reported by the Italian media as saying it had offered Salvini's ministry assistance in recent days.

Malta to relocate migrants on German rescue ship

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-libya-peace-return-of-refugees-to-syria-212319">Pope Francis</a> told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped".

"These least ones are abandoned and cheated into dying in the desert," the pope told the mass to mark the sixth anniversary of the pope's visit to Lampedusa, where many asylum seekers arrive after a perilous sea journey from Libya.

"These least ones are tortured, abused and violated in detention camps, these least ones face the waves of an unforgiving sea," the pope told the mass, attended by 250 people including migrants, asylum seekers, and rescue workers.

Italy has in recent weeks been trying to keep its ports closed to charity ships which have rescued migrants from the Mediterranean, usually shipwrecked after leaving war-torn and lawless Libya.

"They are persons, these are not merely social or migrant issues!" the pope said.

Italy's far-right Interior Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-rescue-sailboat-defies-italys-salvini-docks-in-italy-233653">Matteo Salvini</a> has regularly used social media to attack migrants and the NGOs that help them.

"Migrants are first of all human persons, and... they are the symbol of all those rejected by today’s globalised society," the pope said.

Francis travelled to Lampedusa in July 2013, four months after he was elected but before the 2013-2017 wave of migrant arrivals and shipwrecks, condemning "the globalisation of indifference" towards migrants.

Since then, the pope has repeatedly called for the welcoming of migrants fleeing war or poverty.

Unfortunately, he said, the outskirts of Italian cities were "densely populated with persons who have been thrown away, marginalised, oppressed, discriminated against, abused, exploited, abandoned, poor and suffering".

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, Pope Francis told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped".

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, Pope Francis told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped". "These least ones are abandoned and cheated into dying in the desert," the pope told the mass to mark the sixth anniversary of the pope's visit to Lampedusa, where many asylum seekers arrive after a perilous sea journey from Libya. "These least ones are tortured, abused and violated in detention camps, these least ones face the waves of an unforgiving sea," the pope told the mass, attended by 250 people including migrants, asylum seekers, and rescue workers. Italy has in recent weeks been trying to keep its ports closed to charity ships which have rescued migrants from the Mediterranean, usually shipwrecked after leaving war-torn and lawless Libya. "They are persons, these are not merely social or migrant issues!" the pope said. Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has regularly used social media to attack migrants and the NGOs that help them. "Migrants are first of all human persons, and... they are the symbol of all those rejected by today’s globalised society," the pope said. Francis travelled to Lampedusa in July 2013, four months after he was elected but before the 2013-2017 wave of migrant arrivals and shipwrecks, condemning "the globalisation of indifference" towards migrants. Since then, the pope has repeatedly called for the welcoming of migrants fleeing war or poverty. Unfortunately, he said, the outskirts of Italian cities were "densely populated with persons who have been thrown away, marginalised, oppressed, discriminated against, abused, exploited, abandoned, poor and suffering".

Pope Francis says migrants symbol of 'all who are rejected by globalisation'

A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them.

Mediterranea's Italian-flagged Alex arrived in port where a strong police presence was waiting for them but everyone remained on board after spending two days with the rescued migrants and asylum-seekers on the sailboat.

"In view of the intolerable hygiene conditions aboard, the Alex has declared a state of emergency and is sailing towards Lampedusa, the only possible safe port for landing." Mediterranea said in a tweet earlier.

Italian populist Salvini last month issued a decree that would bring fines of up to 50,000 euros ($57,000) for the captain, owner and operator of a vessel "entering Italian territorial waters without authorisation".

Salvini tweeted after the Alex docked that the charity workers were "jackals... will they go unpunished also?"

"Law enforcement forces are ready to intervene... in a normal country there would be immediate arrests and the boat would be impounded," Salvini said in another tweet.

Authorities on Lampedusa last week seized another rescue ship belonging to German aid group Sea-Watch after it forced its way into port with dozens of rescued migrants on board and arrested its captain, Carola Rackete.

An Italian judge this week ordered her freed as she had been acting to save lives, a decision which sparked Salvini's ire but may have encouraged the Alex crew.&nbsp;

Two other investigations, on charges of helping people smugglers and resisting the authorities are still underway after Rackete forced her way past Italian customs vessels.

A third rescue ship, German charity Sea-Eye's vessel Alan Kurdi, carrying 65 shipwrecked migrants rescued off Libya on Saturday arrived and held its position in international waters off Lampedusa.

A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them.

A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them. Mediterranea's Italian-flagged Alex arrived in port where a strong police presence was waiting for them but everyone remained on board after spending two days with the rescued migrants and asylum-seekers on the sailboat. "In view of the intolerable hygiene conditions aboard, the Alex has declared a state of emergency and is sailing towards Lampedusa, the only possible safe port for landing." Mediterranea said in a tweet earlier. Italian populist Salvini last month issued a decree that would bring fines of up to 50,000 euros ($57,000) for the captain, owner and operator of a vessel "entering Italian territorial waters without authorisation". Salvini tweeted after the Alex docked that the charity workers were "jackals... will they go unpunished also?" "Law enforcement forces are ready to intervene... in a normal country there would be immediate arrests and the boat would be impounded," Salvini said in another tweet. Authorities on Lampedusa last week seized another rescue ship belonging to German aid group Sea-Watch after it forced its way into port with dozens of rescued migrants on board and arrested its captain, Carola Rackete. An Italian judge this week ordered her freed as she had been acting to save lives, a decision which sparked Salvini's ire but may have encouraged the Alex crew. Two other investigations, on charges of helping people smugglers and resisting the authorities are still underway after Rackete forced her way past Italian customs vessels. A third rescue ship, German charity Sea-Eye's vessel Alan Kurdi, carrying 65 shipwrecked migrants rescued off Libya on Saturday arrived and held its position in international waters off Lampedusa.

Migrant rescue sailboat defies Italy's Salvini, docks in Italy

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday.

Salvini, whose far-right League party triumphed in European elections on Sunday, said he would use “all my energies” to fight what he said were outdated and unfair European fiscal rules.

Two euro zone officials told Reuters on Monday that Brussels was likely to start disciplinary steps against Italy on June 5 over its public finances.

A warning letter from the Commission is expected to be sent to Rome this week.

“Let’s see if we get this letter where they give us a fine for debt accumulated over the past and tell us to pay 3 billion euros,” Salvini said in an interview with RTL radio.

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday.

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday. Salvini, whose far-right League party triumphed in European elections on Sunday, said he would use “all my energies” to fight what he said were outdated and unfair European fiscal rules. Two euro zone officials told Reuters on Monday that Brussels was likely to start disciplinary steps against Italy on June 5 over its public finances. A warning letter from the Commission is expected to be sent to Rome this week. “Let’s see if we get this letter where they give us a fine for debt accumulated over the past and tell us to pay 3 billion euros,” Salvini said in an interview with RTL radio.

European Commission could slap 3 billion euro fine on Italy for excessive debt: Deputy PM Salvini

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain.

Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, presided at a traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) service at Rome's Colosseum, attended by thousands of people holding candles.

The meditations read out by speakers during the 14 "stations of the cross" which commemorate the last hours of Jesus' life were written by Sister Eugenia Bonetti, an 80-year-old Italian nun who has won multiple awards for her work with trafficked women and children.

At the end of the service, Francis read a prayer in which he spoke of the poor, the hungry, the elderly, abused children and the environment.

In it, he spoke of "the cross of migrants who find doors closed because of fear and hearts that are armoured by political calculation".

Francis has made a defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate and has clashed over the immigration with politicians such as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed Italy's ports to rescue ships operated by charities.

Each year, the Pope entrusts the writing of the meditations to a different person or group. Bonetti's were among the most graphic and emotional ever read at the service.

Francis listened intently as three speakers read Bonetti's meditations about migrants being set on fire, dying in the desert or drowning at sea and ending up in nameless coffins.

One of Bonetti's meditations read:

"Let us think of all those children in various parts of the world who cannot go to school but are instead exploited in mines, fields and fisheries, bought and sold by human traffickers for organ harvesting, used and abused on our streets by many, including Christians ...,"

She wrote of seeing "men in luxury cars lined up to exploit" young woman forced into prostitution shortly after they arrive in Italy, where many African migrants wash up, hoping for a fresh start only to be snared by traffickers and pimps.

"Men, women and children are bought and sold like slaves by the new traders in human lives," she wrote, "How many people are growing rich by devouring the flesh and blood of the poor?"

The 82-year-old leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will lead an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday will read the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message.

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain.

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain. Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, presided at a traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) service at Rome's Colosseum, attended by thousands of people holding candles. The meditations read out by speakers during the 14 "stations of the cross" which commemorate the last hours of Jesus' life were written by Sister Eugenia Bonetti, an 80-year-old Italian nun who has won multiple awards for her work with trafficked women and children. At the end of the service, Francis read a prayer in which he spoke of the poor, the hungry, the elderly, abused children and the environment. In it, he spoke of "the cross of migrants who find doors closed because of fear and hearts that are armoured by political calculation". Francis has made a defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate and has clashed over the immigration with politicians such as US President Donald Trump and Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed Italy's ports to rescue ships operated by charities. Each year, the Pope entrusts the writing of the meditations to a different person or group. Bonetti's were among the most graphic and emotional ever read at the service. Francis listened intently as three speakers read Bonetti's meditations about migrants being set on fire, dying in the desert or drowning at sea and ending up in nameless coffins. One of Bonetti's meditations read: "Let us think of all those children in various parts of the world who cannot go to school but are instead exploited in mines, fields and fisheries, bought and sold by human traffickers for organ harvesting, used and abused on our streets by many, including Christians ...," She wrote of seeing "men in luxury cars lined up to exploit" young woman forced into prostitution shortly after they arrive in Italy, where many African migrants wash up, hoping for a fresh start only to be snared by traffickers and pimps. "Men, women and children are bought and sold like slaves by the new traders in human lives," she wrote, "How many people are growing rich by devouring the flesh and blood of the poor?" The 82-year-old leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will lead an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday will read the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message.

On Good Friday, pope hears harrowing stories of human trafficking

Dozens of migrants stuck on a ship since their rescue in the Mediterranean 10 days ago, will be allowed to disembark in Malta after four European countries agreed to take them in, Malta's prime minister said Saturday.

All 62 migrants on the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/german-migrant-rescue-ship-renamed-after-tragic-toddler-alan-kurdi-196483&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj06NG7gc3hAhUX2o8KHXAzBTAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ubiHINZBRaIEr4vQHQlfS">Alan Kurdi ship</a> "will be disembarked and redistributed between #Germany, #France, #Portugal and #Luxembourg," Joseph Muscat announced on Twitter.

"None will remain in Malta which cannot shoulder this burden alone," he added.

On Friday, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Paris and other EU partners would "show solidarity" towards the migrants, who include 12 women and two children aged one and six.

The group was rescued on April 3 from a barely seaworthy vessel off Libya and brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa.

But hardline Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini refused them entry and said Berlin should take the migrants as they had been rescued by Sea Eye, a German NGO.

"It's their problem, they must deal with it," Salvini said, adding he had personally written to the ship's captain to warn the vessel must "not enter Italian territorial waters."

On Saturday, Salvini, of the far-right League party, expressed pleasure at the outcome.

"As promised, no immigrant from this German NGO (ship) will arrive in Italy. They will go to Germany or elsewhere," he tweeted.

Salvini satisfied

"The Maltese are right to denounce the danger of the NGO's -- we stand beside them in the fight against human traffickers," added Salvini, who last month insisted Italian ports would be closed to migrant rescue NGOs operating in the Mediterranean in a bid to force other EU states to take them in.

Valletta expressed frustration at being caught in the middle.

"Once again, the European Union's smallest state has been put under pointless pressure in being tasked with resolving an issue which was not its responsibility," the Maltese government complained in a statement.

Last week, two of the women -- one of whom is pregnant -- turned down an offer to leave the ship with the children unless their husbands were allowed to join them.

The two women were ultimately evacuated midweek for health reasons to Valletta, leaving 62 people aboard. Late Friday a crewman was allowed off the ship for medical reasons.

The Alan Kurdi vessel is named after the three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach at the height of the European migrant crisis in 2015. Pictures of his lifeless body caused a global outcry over the migrants' plight.

Italy, with EU support, has also since 2017 been training the Libyan coast guard to intercept boats as part of a controversial deal that has seen migrant arrivals to Italy drop sharply.

Last month, Malta with its population of 450,000 received 108 migrants aboard a Palau-flagged tanker hijacked by three young Africans who diverted the boat from Libya.

A total of 356 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Dozens of migrants stuck on a ship since their rescue in the Mediterranean 10 days ago, will be allowed to disembark in Malta after four European countries agreed to take them in, Malta's prime minister said Saturday.

Dozens of migrants stuck on a ship since their rescue in the Mediterranean 10 days ago, will be allowed to disembark in Malta after four European countries agreed to take them in, Malta's prime minister said Saturday. All 62 migrants on the Alan Kurdi ship "will be disembarked and redistributed between #Germany, #France, #Portugal and #Luxembourg," Joseph Muscat announced on Twitter. "None will remain in Malta which cannot shoulder this burden alone," he added. On Friday, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Paris and other EU partners would "show solidarity" towards the migrants, who include 12 women and two children aged one and six. The group was rescued on April 3 from a barely seaworthy vessel off Libya and brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa. But hardline Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini refused them entry and said Berlin should take the migrants as they had been rescued by Sea Eye, a German NGO. "It's their problem, they must deal with it," Salvini said, adding he had personally written to the ship's captain to warn the vessel must "not enter Italian territorial waters." On Saturday, Salvini, of the far-right League party, expressed pleasure at the outcome. "As promised, no immigrant from this German NGO (ship) will arrive in Italy. They will go to Germany or elsewhere," he tweeted. Salvini satisfied "The Maltese are right to denounce the danger of the NGO's -- we stand beside them in the fight against human traffickers," added Salvini, who last month insisted Italian ports would be closed to migrant rescue NGOs operating in the Mediterranean in a bid to force other EU states to take them in. Valletta expressed frustration at being caught in the middle. "Once again, the European Union's smallest state has been put under pointless pressure in being tasked with resolving an issue which was not its responsibility," the Maltese government complained in a statement. Last week, two of the women -- one of whom is pregnant -- turned down an offer to leave the ship with the children unless their husbands were allowed to join them. The two women were ultimately evacuated midweek for health reasons to Valletta, leaving 62 people aboard. Late Friday a crewman was allowed off the ship for medical reasons. The Alan Kurdi vessel is named after the three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach at the height of the European migrant crisis in 2015. Pictures of his lifeless body caused a global outcry over the migrants' plight. Italy, with EU support, has also since 2017 been training the Libyan coast guard to intercept boats as part of a controversial deal that has seen migrant arrivals to Italy drop sharply. Last month, Malta with its population of 450,000 received 108 migrants aboard a Palau-flagged tanker hijacked by three young Africans who diverted the boat from Libya. A total of 356 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Rescued migrants allowed to disembark in Malta, go on to Europe: PM Joseph Muscat

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