Christian Democrats Quit Italy’s Coalition; Early Vote Expected

The Christian Democrats withdrew from Socialist Prime Minister Bettino Craxi’s five-party coalition on Wednesday, bringing Italy a step closer to possible early elections.

“The break between the parties of the government reduces again the possibility of completing the (five-year) term of the legislature in 1988,” said Industry Minister Valerio Zanone, leader of the Liberal Party, which is also part of Italy’s longest-lasting post-World War II government.

Craxi’s government, in power more than 3 1/2 years, has been paralyzed by wrangling between the Christian Democrats and the Socialists. The other coalition members are the Social Democrats and the Republicans.

The dispute was triggered by Christian Democrat demands that Craxi turn over the premiership to them. The Christian Democrats are Italy’s dominant party.

Focused on Referendums

Craxi, Italy’s first Socialist premier, said he would do so but only if the Christian Democrats agree to hold scheduled referendums on Italy’s nuclear power program and the judiciary. The votes are set for June 14.

Craxi resigned March 3, but after a month of political deadlock, President Francesco Cossiga rejected the resignation and told him to go before Parliament in an attempt to keep Italy’s 45th postwar government together.

Craxi went before the Senate Wednesday evening and read the letter from the Christian Democrats announcing the pullout of their ministers from the 30-member Cabinet.

Conditions Lacking

“The lack of a political clarification has led the party to conclude that the conditions for supporting the government don’t exist,” the letter said.

Craxi told the Senate that he would wait to announce his decision until after the debate, expected to end this afternoon or evening. The state-run RAI television said he is expected to reconfirm his resignation then.

Cossiga would then have to decide whether to appoint a prime minister-designate to try to form a new government or call parliamentary elections a year ahead of schedule. Newspapers predicted that he will name a Christian Democrat to govern through the election.