Italy’s President Hopes Neutral Politician Can End Post-Election Paralysis

Mediating between the 5 Star Movement and the center-right coalition is likely to be a tall task

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella asked a parliamentary leader to mediate among party chiefs in an attempt to form a government supported by the 5 Star Movement and the center-right coalition, hoping a neutral figure can break the stalemate that has persisted since March’s elections.

Mediating is likely to be a tall task as the two groups have so far refused to budge from their positions, making forming a new government impossible.

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