ROME - Italian President Sergio Mattarella asked the former governor of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi on Wednesday to form a government of national unity, according to Quirinale sources.

  Sig. Draghi met with the head of state at 12 noon Wednesday to receive the mandate to try and create a government of national unity, the Quirinal Palace said. 

  Mattarella has said he is now aiming to form a “high profile government, that must not identify itself with any political formula.” Giving Draghi the mandate means avoiding having to call an election, which was the only other option after the breakdown in coalition talks meant that it would no longer be an option for Conte to form a third coalition government, political sources said. 

  Draghi told the press after the announcement, "I want to thank the President for the faith he has shown me. These are difficult times, to beat the pandemic, to complete the vaccination programme, to offer solutions to the daily problems, to relaunch the country after these challenges." He continued that he is "confident that from discussion with the parties, the parliamentary groups and social forces will emerge unity and the capability to give an adequate response."

  The various political parties will meet today to discuss whether they will support his government, with the Democratic Party looking likely to back him, while the 5 Star Movement have not expressed any support for him. 

  jp-ol