Italy will hold an early election on Sept. 25, with a center-right coalition currently leading in the polls. President Sergio Mattarella officially called the vote and dissolved parliament on Thursday, after Mario Draghi resigned as prime minister earlier in the day. A bloc led by Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy could have a clear majority, according to the most recent polling.
The collapse of Draghi’s government spooked markets. The euro area’s third-biggest economy faces months of political uncertainty as it faces record inflation, slowing growth and energy shortages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A weakened Draghi will remain caretaker premier until a new government takes over.
