Mario Draghi forms Italian government

ROME — Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on Friday said he was ready to lead Italy’s next government and announced who’ll be in his top team — with high-profile business leaders and technocrats given key roles.

Draghi was called upon to form a government of national unity after the center-left coalition led by Giuseppe Conte collapsed following disagreements over coronavirus recovery plans. 

After several days of consultations, Draghi said he would be prime minister atop a government featuring politicians from across the spectrum, with 15 political appointments and eight technocrats. 

Some weightier ministries went to prominent industry leaders such as former Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao, who will be minister for digital transition, and Roberto Cingolani from defense titan Leonardo, who will be minister for the green transition.

Bank of Italy director Daniele Franco is lined up as economy minister and Marta Cartabia, former head of the Constitutional Court, will head the justice ministry. 

Draghi did not name a Europe minister, which suggests he will handle that portfolio himself. 

There is also continuity with the previous government, with Luigi Di Maio remaining as foreign minister, Lorenzo Guerini staying at defense and Roberto Speranza continuing in charge of the health portfolio. 

The 5Star Movement, which has the most seats in parliament, gets four ministers while the other major parties have three apiece. 

Matteo Renzi, who triggered the crisis that brought down the last government when he pulled his ministers from the Cabinet, wrote on Twitter: “A high-level team, with some additions of extraordinary value.”

Wolfango Piccoli of analyst Teneo said: “It’s a carefully balanced government. Draghi made sure to hand the key ministries with spending power to highly competent technocrats, especially those that will be looking at the [EU’s] recovery fund. 

“The politicians got second-tier appointments. He took what they have to offer but the menu is limited. It is a smart move because the political parties will have to take responsibility if some things don’t go well.”

The new government will be sworn in on Saturday and will face a confidence vote in parliament next week.