The Draghi government's path towards the confidence vote began on the morning of Wednesday 17 February, with a 55-minute speech in the Senate. Following the announcement of the cabinet lineup and the swearing-in at the Quirinale before President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, Mario Draghi needs only the green light from the Chamber and the Senate for the official inauguration of his techno-political government.

A positive outcome seems a foregone conclusion, given the cross-party majority that has rallied around the name of the former head of the European Central Bank. However, there is great anticipation for the new prime minister's policy statements — he is taking office in the midst of the delicate management of the pandemic — and for the precise numbers he will obtain. For real-time updates on the parliamentary debate, follow our liveblog.