Italians fear return of instability if Mario Draghi quits to become president

Silvio Berlusconi is among those waiting in the wings if the prime minister decides to leave the stage and forces an early election

Italians have been enjoying an unusual period of political harmony - Mario Draghi, the prime minister, brought decisive, competent leadership in the midst of the pandemic, and the economy is growing fast. But that could be thrown into jeopardy when parliament elects a new president in January.

An opaque ritual described as being akin to the appointment of a new pope, the topic is dominating the political debate as the outcome could leave Italy with a predicament at a critical juncture: should Draghi, the former European Central Bank chief credited with restoring stability and confidence in the country, remain prime minister, or become president?