Italy’s anti-establishment leaders meet for last-ditch talks to avert elections

Italy’s anti-establishment political leaders Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio met on Thursday for last-ditch talks to resurrect a coalition government and avert a new snap election. There is hope of an agreement by Friday, but still no decision on a nominee for economy minister, a key post in any line-up, Reuters quoted a source from Di Maio’s 5-Star Movement as saying. However, there was no immediate indication from the League on the prospects of success. President Sergio Mattarella torpedoed an initial attempt by the League and 5-Star to form a coalition, rejecting their candidate for the economy portfolio, economist Paolo Savona, 81, a eurosceptic who has spoken out against the single currency.