Draghi Govt On Brink Of Collapse

The center-right of the Italian governing coalition has deserted Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a confidence vote, raising the prospect of an Autumn general election if an alternate government cannot be formed.

• Bloomberg: "Italy's government is on the cusp of collapse as parties refuse to back PM Mario Draghi in a confidence vote."
• Silvia Sciorilli Borrelli of FT: "Draghi is back in the chamber. We just heard the League and Berlusconi’s Forza Italia will not back the motion to support the government and they will walk out. 5 Star now speaking and likely to follow suit."
• Jordi Barcia at RNE: "Berlusconi's Forza Italia announces that it will not vote to trust the PM, and the League has just done the same. They are fundamental legs of the government of national unity. Without them, Mario Draghi heads for the definitive resignation."
• It is currently unclear if quorum can be achieved and there is now a strong likelihood that Draghi will resign before a second attempt in the Senate at a confidence vote.