Italian president gives Conte mandate to form new government
by Angela Giuffrida in Rome from on (#4P6AQ)
PM to lead coalition of ruling Five Star Movement and opposition Democratic party
The Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has said now is the time to "turn a crisis into an opportunity" after accepting a fresh mandate to try to form a new government that could mark a turning point in Italy's fractured relations with the EU.
President Sergio Mattarella has tasked Conte with securing a pact between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left Democratic party (PD) in a move that would oust the far-right League from government and stave off early elections.
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