The Latest: Italy’s president proposes ‘neutral’ government

Italian President Sergio Mattarella adresses the media at the end of his meeting with Italian parties representatives at the Quirinal Palace during the third round of formal political consultations following the general elections, in Rome, Monday, May 7, 2018. Mattarella was holding a final day of consultations Monday in hopes of finding a solution to two months of political deadlock. (Ettore Ferrari/ANSA via AP) Italian President Sergio Mattarella adresses the media at the end of his meeting with Italian parties representatives at the Quirinal Palace during the third round of formal political consultations following the general elections, in Rome, Monday, May 7, 2018. Mattarella was holding a final day of consultations Monday in hopes of finding a solution to two months of political deadlock. (Ettore Ferrari/ANSA via AP)

By Associated Press May 7, 2018 2 min read

ROME (AP) – The Latest on Italian politics (all times local):

7:25 p.m.

Italy’s president has proposed that the country’s deadlocked political forces back a “neutral” government to rule until the end of the year, saying there was no hope for any political alliance and that Italy can’t wait any longer for leadership.

More than two months after inconclusive a March 4 election, President Sergio Mattarella urged political leaders to back the government until at least the budget is passed, and warned that calling elections before 2019 would expose Italy to undue risks.

Mattarella didn’t propose any names for the “neutral” government, but he stressed that its leaders wouldn’t be allowed to run in the election next year.