Draghi Re-Confirms No Continuation Of Gov't Without 5-Star Movement

Ahead of a crucial confidence vote on a new COVID-19 aid package on Thursday, Italian PM Mario Draghi has restated his threat that should the populist 5-Star Movement (M5S) withdraw its support then he will collapse the gov't leading to a snap general election.

• Following meetings with trade unions earlier today, Draghi spoke up 'convergence points' between gov't policies and a list of demands put forwards by M5S to remain within gov't.
• Draghi stated, following M5S head Giuseppe Conte's threat to withdraw his party's support from the confidence vote that, "government by ultimatums does not work and does not make sense".
• The broad coalition led by Draghi would retain a majority in parliament even without M5S' support, but the PM has stated that maintaining its broad membership is crucial for its continuation.
• The next election is not due until June 2023 at the latest. Many deputies seen as reluctant to bring the gov't down given if the parliament does not last its full 5-year term, deputies will not be able to claim a pension afterwards. With many M5S politicians seen as likely to lose their seats at an election this could preserve Draghi's coalition for another 11 months.