Matteo Renzi leaves but hints he wants to lead his party in election battle
Rome — Matteo Renzi bowed out as Italian prime minister on Wednesday with a combination of jokes, regrets and a strong hint that he wants to lead his party into an early election battle. Forced to quit after a crushing referendum defeat, Renzi formally submitted his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday evening. The presidential palace said political consultations on forming a caretaker government would begin on Thursday at 5pm GMT. Before handing back the keys to his Palazzo Chigi residence, the 41-year-old chaired a meeting of the executive of his Democratic Party (PD). "We are not afraid of anything or anybody, if other parties want to go to the polls ... the PD is not afraid of democracy or elections," Renzi said, in reference to opposition clamour for a nationwide vote due in early 2018 to be brought forward by up to a year. Ironically, Renzi’s rule came to an end with his government winning a vote of confidence in the Senate, the parliamentary chamber he trie...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.