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Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte after his resignation speech in the Senate on August 20, 2019 in Rome. Andreas SOLARO / AFP

After days of suspenseful dealings, the 5-star Movement and the Democratic Party, the first center-left force, have reached a political agreement to try to form a Conte bis government that is clearly "anti-Salvini".
Giuseppe Conte was summoned by the head of state Sergio Mattarella to the Quirinal Palace this Thursday, August 29, at 9:30.

With our correspondence in Rome, Anne Le Nir

There is no more suspense. Giuseppe Conte is expected to be reappointed as Prime Minister by Italian President Sergio Matarella , on the indication of the 5-star Movement (M5S) and with the green light of the Democratic Party . This unprecedented alliance between the M5S, which is defined as " post-ideological ", and the Social Democrats, was the only alternative to early elections that would have opened a royal road to the extreme right of Matteo Salvini.

" We love Italy and we believe it is worthwhile to try this experience, " said Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of the Democratic Party.

" We intend to end the season of hatred, resentment and fear. "

Nicola Zingaretti, leader of the Italian Democratic Party 28/08/2019 Listen

" We have made commitments to the Italians, such as not to increase VAT by the end of the year, for its part justified Luigi Di Maio, the head of the M5S. Well, these commitments, we want to honor them at all costs. "

" We made commitments to the Italians, such as not to increase VAT by the end of the year. Well, these commitments, we want to honor them at all costs. "

Luigi Di Maio, leader of the Five Star Movement 28/08/2019 Listen

The next challenges: the program and the composition of the government

Giuseppe Conte will be the man-orchestra of the next steps to bring forth the new government. It will be necessary to define a political program Europhile in rupture with that of the preceding government. A non-negotiable point for Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti.

It will also be necessary to find an agreement on the distribution of portfolios, which is not an easy task. Finally, if an agreement emerges on all these issues, the Conte bis government will have to submit to a vote of confidence to see if it has a solid majority in parliament.