Speaker of the Chamber Roberto Fico has told head of state Sergio Mattarella that the exploratory mandate was successful: talks between the Movimento 5 stelle and the Partito democratico can now begin.
The exploratory mandate entrusted by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella to Speaker of the Chamber Roberto Fico has had a "positive outcome": "Dialogue between the Movimento 5 Stelle and the Pd has begun – said Fico, immediately after meeting the head of state at the Quirinale – In the coming days there will also be dialogue within the two political forces, as we await the Partito democratico's leadership meeting next week. I believe it is important, reasonable and responsible to stay focused on issues and programmes."
President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella had entrusted Speaker of the Chamber Roberto Fico with the task of assessing the possibility of a majority agreement between the Movimento 5 stelle and the Partito democratico to form a government. The president had asked Fico to report back by the end of today. In the two rounds of talks held with Fico, both M5s leader Luigi Di Maio and acting Pd leader Maurizio Martina had sent signals of openness to dialogue: the Pd's national leadership meeting has been convened for 3 May, precisely to discuss the possibility of moving towards a government agreement.
Last week a round of consultations had taken place between Senate President Elisabetta Casellati, appointed by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, and the leaders of the Movimento 5 stelle and the centre-right. Casellati had returned to the Colle to report, and at the end of her meeting with the head of state she explained: "I carried out my mandate by seeking to encourage constructive dialogue. The discussion made it possible, despite differences of opinion, to highlight food for political thought. I am certain that Mattarella will be able to identify the best path to take."
