Political And Economic Crisis In Italy, Forcing Sergio Mattarella To Accept The Post Of Second Term President

Italian President Sergio Mattarella continues a second term. (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA – The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, was re-elected as president for a second term on Saturday, January 29.

Mattarella's election came after a week of fruitless parliamentary voting in an attempt to choose a successor. Party leaders in Italy finally asked Mattarella to continue his second term.

Mario Draghi, who has publicly expressed hope of becoming president, will remain prime minister.

While Mattarella, who previously dismissed the possibility of remaining in office as president, finally accepted the request. This is because the political conditions in Italy are facing shocks.

The man, who will turn 81 in July, finally changed his mind when he faced requests from parliamentary leaders who met him at the presidential palace on Saturday, January 29.

Delivering a statement at the presidential palace, Mattarella said the ongoing crisis related to the coronavirus and the economic and social problems that Italy was experiencing had forced him to accept the parliament's decision.

In the Italian political system, the president is a powerful figure and can determine who will serve as prime minister, and is often expected to be able to resolve political crises.

Party leaders who felt relieved thanked the president who was born in Palermo in 1941 for wanting to stay in office.

However, the efforts that took place in seven rounds of voting to replace Mattarella left a deep wound, which could have an impact on political stability in this pizza country. Nevertheless, financial markets in Italy seem to be reacting positively to the current political situation in Italy.