Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni formally resigns
(VOVWORLD) -Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni formally resigned Saturday following the election of new parliament speakers, but was immediately asked by the president to stay on while the country's political factions jostle to try to form a new government.
 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni (Photo: VNA)
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Negotiations on forming a coalition government are expected to last weeks. At some point, President Sergio Mattarella will decide which bloc, if any, is able to command the 51 percent majority in each chamber necessary to pass a confidence vote.
If no party or group can cobble together a working majority, Mattarella could sponsor a person with a limited mandate and term to govern. That could eventually lead to an early election if all options fail.