Italy's deputy PM assures no govt crisis over junior minister resignation

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio said on Monday a graft case involving a junior minister from the ruling League party would trigger a government crisis only if the League itself pushed for it. Following a request from Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Italy's cabinet holds a vote on Wednesday over the dismissal of Transport Ministry Undersecretary Armando Siri, who has been linked to a corruption scandal.

Siri, an economic adviser to League chief Matteo Salvini, was placed under investigation last month for allegedly accepting bribes to promote the interests of renewable energy firms. Salvini wants Siri to keep his job, while coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, is seeking his resignation. In an interview with RAI 1 radio, 5-Star leader Di Maio said he had never talked about a "government reshuffle or crisis" and there would be one only if the League pushed for it after Wednesday's cabinet vote. The 5-Star has the majority of government ministers and members of parliament. 

(With inputs from agencies.)