DRAGHI FORMS ITALIAN GOV’T WITH EXPERTS, POLITICAL OPERATIVES

Former European Central Bank (ECB) chief Mario Draghi on Friday accepted the Italian president’s bid to form a new government, announcing a Cabinet of experts mixed with experienced political hands, at once seeking to reassure financial markets and tame a potentially unruly coalition of former rivals, Colleen Barry and Nicole Winfield reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The formation of a broad-based government of national unity was widely expected after most political parties across the spectrum signaled their support for Draghi. Italy is at a critical juncture as it battles the health and economic consequences of the pandemic, which first struck the country hard almost one year ago.

Draghi also submitted the names of his Cabinet members to President Sergio Mattarella, who has the job of officially naming them. The new government will be sworn in Saturday, followed by votes of confidence in both houses of Parliament, expected early next week.

Draghi arrived at the presidential palace promptly at 7 p.m., finishing his business within 40 minutes. He emerged just long enough to read his list of Cabinet members to reporters, flashing a brief smile but taking no questions before putting his N95 mask back on and going his way.

Draghi said that he has chosen Daniele Franco, general director of the Bank of Italy where Draghi was once the boss, as economy and finance minister. He also confirmed Luigi Di Maio as foreign minister, Roberto Speranza as health minister, Lucia Lamorgese as interior minister, Lorenzo Guerrini as defense minister and Dario Franceschini as culture minister — all keeping their roles in the previous government.

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