Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday gave little-known lawyer Giuseppe Conte a second mandate to form a populist government in the eurozone’s third largest economy.

Conte announced his ministerial line-up on Thursday evening.

Far-right League leader Matteo Salvini was named interior minister while the head of Five Star Movement Luigi Di Maio is slated to become minister for economic development.

Paolo Savona, the eurosceptic economist who the populist coalition originally wanted for economy minister but was rejected by the italian president, is still part of the cabinet as European Affairs minister.

The role of economy minister this time went to Giuseppe Trio, a political economy professor who is in favour of keeping Italy in the euro, while

Brussels savvy Enzo Moavero Milanesi was named as minister of foreign affairs.

The new government will be sworn in at 1400 GMT on Friday, a government official announced.

READ ALSO: Who is Giuseppe Conte, the political novice picked to become Italy’s populist PM?

The anti-establishment Five Star Movement and far-right League party agreed to restart coalition negotiations after their initial bid to deliver Italy an anti-austerity, nationalist government collapsed over the weekend.

Italy has been in the throes of political turmoil for almost three months after a March general election failed to deliver a clear winner.

“All the conditions have been met for a M5S-League government,” said the party leaders in a joint statement sent by the Five Star Movement.

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President Sergio Mattarella on Sunday blocked the coalition’s pick for economy minister, the eurosceptic Paolo Savona, causing their bid for power to fall through.

Mattarella then asked pro-austerity economist Carlo Cottarelli to form a caretaker government.

Fresh elections seemed like the most likely outcome, however, after it became clear Cottarelli’s government would not pass a vote of confidence in parliament.

In light of the populist’s successful talks, Cottarelli announced on Thursday that he was giving up his mandate to form a technocrat government.

“The formation of a political government is by far the best solution for the country, because it avoids the uncertainty that would arise with new elections,” said Cottarelli after meeting with Mattarella.

ANALYSIS: How Matteo Salvini played his cards right amid Italy’s political chaos

Second mandate

According to Italian media Savona — who Mattarella said he could not accept as economy minister due to his aversion to the euro — will be proposed as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The media suggests the role of economy minister will go to Giovanni Tria, a political economy professor in favour of slashing taxes but committed to keeping Italy in the single currency.

“Commitment, coherence, listening, work, patience, common sense, head and heart for the good of Italians. Perhaps we are finally there, after so many obstacles, attacks, threats and lies,” Salvini rejoiced on Facebook.

READ ALSO: 

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  Source:Thelocal.it