Italy gets anti-EU premier

Giuseppe Conte was sworn in yesterday as Italy’s prime minister, heading western Europe’s first anti-establishment government bent on overhauling European Union rules on budgets and immigration.

 Conte, a little-known 53-year-old law professor, is backed by the Five-Star Movement which grew out of a grassroots protest network, and the right-wing League who together have issued a budget-busting agenda of tax cuts and higher welfare spending.

The government was formed after three months of political deadlock following inconclusive March 4 elections, with the former rivals striking a last-minute deal on Thursday to avert a fresh vote in high summer amid growing market turmoil.

Widespread voter disenchantment has seen anti-establishment parties upset mainstream politics across the continent, including Germany and France, but it is the first time they will run the government of a major western European country.

Conte made no comment to reporters after his swearing-in ceremony in the president’s 16th-century palace in Rome, in a room with a huge gilt mirror flanked by Italian and EU flags.

“I admit that I am choked up and happy,” League leader Salvini said in a tweet which showed him for once formally dressed with his top shirt button done up for the occasion.

Five-Star and the League have a solid majority in both houses of parliament, where the government will face confidence votes early next week in order to be fully empowered.