The preliminary results of exit poll show that the right-wing bloc of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the radical Lega Nord (North League) have won the most seats in the lower house of the Parliament, but the seats received (between 248 and 268) are below the required for a majority (at least 316).
The Populist movement “5 Stelle” (5 Stars) is in the second position, with its progress being significant and it could turn out to be the largest stand-alone party with 216-236 seats, which will be first in lineto have a mandate to establish a government. The left-wing coalition led by the ruling Democratic Party is a third of 107-127 seats.
The vote for the Senate is also in favour of populist and right-wing parties. There the “5 stars” is on the road to get the most mandates (about 102-122), which is below the required for a majority – 158 seats. The right-wing bloc is expected to take 118-150 seats and the Democratic Party – 42-54 seats.
Prime Minister Matreo Renzi’s ruling left-wing union was forecast for 25-28%, but collapsed to about 18% and will be the third force in parliament with 115-155 deputies. Ettore Rosato, a member of the lower house, said “if this is the final result, it is a defeat and we will be the opposition”. Meanwhile, Renzi announced that he resigned after the defeat. The former Italian prime minister said he would not stand for the next Congress of the left-wing formation.
The near future will show, if Italy is the first European country (moreover quite large) falling under the wave of populism that traditional parties have been able to stop last year in the Netherlands, France, Germany and in some way in Austria.
The formation of a government may take weeks of difficult negotiations. Analysts say the other option is to hold new elections, but there are no guarantees for achieving more definitive results. Until an agreement on a new cabinet is reached, the country will continue to manage the government of Paolo Gentiloni, which, according to a number of analysts, is the best option at the moment in view of the political options after the elections.
