Italian president calls for formation of 'neutral government'

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has called on the country's political parties to rally behind a short-lived "neutral government" to work on the budget and prepare for early elections in 2019.


Looking to end two months of deadlock after an inconclusive election in March, Mattarella said a new vote would have to be held in July or the autumn if such an administration failed to find the necessary backing in parliament.

The country's two largest parties urged a new vote on July 8.