Italian presidential elections customarily have more twists and implausible turns than a Verdi opera. The upcoming election looks to be no different
The outcome matters: Italian presidents have the power to dissolve parliaments and name prime ministers. They also hold office for an unusually long time: seven years, during which they acquire a moral authority that can constrain the actions of the government.
This time, the choice may seem obvious. The prime minister, Mario Draghi, a former president of the European Central Bank, is internationally respected. He is free of party allegiance and heads a cabinet spanning the political arc from hard right to radical left. It would seem logical for this broad coalition to unite in his support.
Yet he faces an uphill struggle. Ironically, the only major party to have consistently, if surreptitiously, backed Mr Draghi’s elevation is the only one that has consistently criticised his performance. The hard-right Brothers of Italy , led by Giorgia Meloni, chose not to join Mr Draghi’s coalition last year.
Ms Meloni has had no choice but to offer Mr Berlusconi public support. But, unlike Mr Salvini’s, hers has seemed distinctly lukewarm. Were Mr Draghi to get the job instead, it would end his government and perhaps prompt an early election. That would suit the, riding high in the polls, and particularly Ms Meloni, who on present form would emerge as leader of the biggest party on the right, and prime minister should the right secure a majority as the polls currently suggest.
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