The time required for the formation of the Penta-League government is lengthening. The names of the team were expected by today, but the Prime Minister in charge, Giuseppe Conte, has made it known that he will not be able to dissolve the reserve before Sunday or Monday. In the late afternoon, the appointed Premier Giuseppe Conte went to the Quirinale for an informal meeting in order to take stock of the situation.
The number one problem remains that of the new Minister of the Economy. Lega and Movimento 5 Stelle had reached an agreement on Paolo Savona, a figure of prestige and with a long experience in the institutions, who however worries Colle for his openly Euro-critical positions and his hostility towards the role played in Europe by the Germany.
On this point of the negotiation, the most delicate and decisive, Matteo Salvini does not seem willing to take a step back. Indeed, the Northern League leader would be willing to blow up the entire government agreement in order not to give in to the next tenant in via XX Settembre.
On the other hand, the treasure box is so important that it potentially triggers a domino effect. If in the end - Salvini permitting - the will of the Colle prevailed and the name of Savona disappeared, the entire list of ministers agreed by M5S and Lega would be upset. According to some reconstructions, a change in the economy could impose a chain replacement in another six, seven or even eight ministries. All to safeguard the balance painstakingly built in recent weeks by the two majority parties.
In particular, the League would like to return to dividing the superministry promised to Luigi Di Maio (Labor plus Economic Development), while the grillini are asking for a doubling of the seat of undersecretary to the Prime Minister, so far guaranteed to the Northern League Giancarlo Giorgetti.
For Infrastructure Laura Castelli is back in the game, while for Foreign Affairs the option Giampiero Massolo has now been dropped, replaced by the ambassador to Qatar Pasquale Salzano. The grillini have nominated Elisabetta Trenta for defense, but in the end her name could also be skipped. On the other hand, Matteo Salvini's Interior seat does not seem at risk.
(Last update at 18.07)