Mattarella set to start govt consultations

(ANSA) - Rome, August 21 - President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday started consultations with top officials and political parties Wednesday aimed at seeing if there is a majority behind a new government or elections after Premier Giuseppe Conte resigned Tuesday after nationalist League leader Matteo Salvini pulled the plug August 8 on a 14-month populist coalition with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S).
    There is a possibility of the M5S teaming up with former foes the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).
    If they do not agree to form a coalition, the other options include a short technical government to steer the country towards a general election, or an election possibly as early as the end of October.
    The M5S-PD alliance faces strong opposition from many in both parties, which were hitherto sworn enemies and have major policy differences.
    Mattarella started the consultations Wednesday with the parliamentary speakers and his predecessor Giorgio Napolitano.
    He will go on to consult the major parties, including the M5S, the PD and the League, on Thursday.
    The president is said to want a swift resolution of the government crisis.
    The next government will be tasked with passing a 2021 budget and averting a 23-billion euro VAT hike that would worsen an already struggling economy.