What's Next For Italy As Populists Take Charge?

Rome, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2018 ) :Italy's proposed coalition government has promised a mix of far-right, anti-establishment and eurosceptic policies, leaving the international community wondering what the future holds for the eurozone's third largest economy.

Here are answers to five pressing questions as the League and Five Star Movement (M5S) prepare to take charge. - Could Italy leave the euro? - Despite outspoken criticism of the European Union from both parties, the final version of the M5S-League government programme does not mention a unilateral exit from the eurozone.

M5S abandoned their idea of a referendum on the euro and while the League has called the Currency "a failed economic and social experiment," the party has proposed a series of reforms and an eventual coordinated group exit along with a number of other countries in the long term.

- Who is really in charge? - M5S hold more clout in the new coalition having won almost 33 percent in March's election, compared to the League's 17 percent -- even if League leader Matteo Salvini claims to represent the 37 percent who voted for his rightwing coalition.

While Salvini is the undisputed top dog of the League, the shadow of M5S founder Beppe Grillo, an outspoken former comedian, still looms large over the party led by Luigi Di Maio. A question mark also hangs over the fate of flamboyant former premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Part of the rightwing alliance with Salvini, Berlusconi begrudgingly gave the green light for the League and M5s to make a deal without his Forza Italia party. But the ageing media tycoon disapproves of the new government programme and, after a recent court ruling overturned a ban on him holding public office, could once again be able to exert influence from inside parliament -- if a member of his party offers up their seat.

Never afraid of a long shot, Berlusconi has also offered himself up as a potential future premier.