Italian PM Conte appeals to 5-star members to back new govt

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday urged members of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement to back a new coalition with the opposition Democratic Party (PD), saying the mooted government could transform Italy. 5-Star supporters are due to hold an online vote on Tuesday over whether to hook up with their long-time foe, the PD. The previous administration collapsed last month when the far-right League pulled out, looking to trigger early elections.

"There is a unique opportunity to show we can really decisively reform this country," Conte said on Facebook. "To do this we don't need superheroes that my son likes so much. It's sufficient to have people who are normal but responsible and determined, who love their country more than anything else."