ROME — Italy’s political parties are set to elect outgoing President Sergio Mattarella to a second term after failing to break a political impasse over who will replace him.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi met Mattarella Saturday and asked the 80-year-old to remain in office to guarantee the country’s political stability, despite his intention to retire, according to people familiar with the matter. Draghi spoke to party leaders expressing the hope that lawmakers will back the plan.
Mattarella received 387 votes on a ballot Saturday, short of a majority of 505 votes needed, but showing growing support among the 1,009 politicians voting in the presidential election. A second vote planned for later in the day is expected to bring the weeklong election to an end, with all parties but Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy writing Mattarella’s name on their ballot.
