Draghi Resignation Puts Italy’s Leadership in Flux

Unease over who will lead Italy’s government is growing after Prime Minister Mario Draghi abruptly said he would step down, potentially compromising an economy struggling to find a sure footing after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Party leaders began jockeying for position immediately, as the experienced former European Central Bank chief said he was quitting the government after cracks in the ruling coalition began to appear over how to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and a worsening rise in inflation. Some on Friday called for snap elections, chief among them Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy. Ms. Meloni’s party is leading opinion polls in large part because it is the only main political group outside the coalition, which like other governments across Europe has come under strain as prices have steadily risen.