ROME, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Thursday that he would decide on possible snap elections next week, after a new round of talks with parties aimed at solving the crisis triggered by the collapse of the populist government.
"The president of the Republic has a duty to not preclude the will of a majority of forces in parliament," Mattarella declared in a short press conference at the Quirinale Palace.
"At the same time... in the country's interest, I have the duty to ask (from parties) quick decisions."
"I will start new political consultations next Tuesday, in order to make the necessary decision," he said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the head of state held a first round of talks with the leaders of every single party holding seats in parliament, to verify whether there was the political will to form an alternative majority in a new government.
This followed the resignation of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday, and the end of the nearly 15-month rightwing cabinet based on a coalition between far-right, anti-immigrant League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S).
The prime minister's decision to step down was due to the League's leader Matteo Salvini pulling the plug on the government earlier in August in a bid to trigger snap elections.
