Italy’s prime minister Mario Draghi resigns after government collapses

Mr Draghi, nicknamed ‘Super Mario’, was seen as the leader most likely to lead Italy out of post-pandemic difficulties

Italy's prime minister and his government had been in power for 17 months (AFP via Getty Images)

Italy’s prime minister Mario Draghi resigned on Thursday, setting the country on course for a general election.

Mr Draghi tendered his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella. It came after the prime minister’s coalition allies withdrew support for his administration by boycotting a confidence vote.

He had also offered his resignation last week, but it was rejected. This time Mr Mattarella, “took note” of the resignation and asked Mr Draghi’s government to remain on in a caretaker fashion.

A former president of the European Central Bank (ECB), Mr Draghi had headed a government of national unity, which was an uneasy coalition of right and left-wing politicians as well as populists. The government had been in power for 17 months.

Italian media vented their anger at the collapse of the administration, given that Italy is currently dealing with soaring inflation and energy costs. One newspaper, la Repubblica, ran with the headline “Italy Betrayed”.

Mr Draghi, nicknamed “Super Mario”, was seen as the man most likely to pull Italy out of the impact of the pandemic and lay the groundwork to make use of the EU’s recovery funds.

While the next steps were unclear, the outcome suggested Mr Mattarella could dissolve parliament after a period of consultations, paving the way for an early election as soon as late September or early October.

The legislature’s five-year term had been due to expire in 2023.

The centre-left Democratic Party and the right-wing Brothers of Italy party are leading the polls.

Democrat leader Enrico Letta was enraged by the outcome, saying Parliament had betrayed Italy and urging Italians to respond at the polls.

“Let Italians show at the ballot that they are smarter than their representatives,” he tweeted.