Rome | Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi tried to strong-arm his fractious coalition allies into line. But on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST) his plan backfired and Italy’s government is on the brink of collapse, leaving little alternative to snap elections in the coming months and a period of political chaos.
Three of his coalition partners withdrew their support after Mr Draghi forced a confidence vote by threatening to quit. And even though Mr Draghi didn’t immediately step down after the failed vote, the move effectively ended the unity government he’s been running since February last year.
