The Italian Democratic Party is not ready to form a government "at all costs" with its former rival, a five-star movement, the head of Italy´s Democratic Party said on Friday.
The government alliance between the Democratic Party and the five-star movement is the only alternative to prevent early elections, which is likely to be won by the leader of the hardline League party Matteo Salvini.
"For us this is not an easy choice," Zengaretti said after talks with President Sergio Matarella, adding that the Democratic Party was not interested in forming a government "at any cost" with a five-star movement.
Zengaretti reiterated a number of preconditions, including the five-star movement´s commitment to pro-EU policies and a more liberal approach to migration.
Italy faces a government crisis after Salvini withdrew from the 14-month alliance with the five-star movement, hoping to press for early elections.
The Italian president is meeting with political leaders to determine whether there is a chance to form an alternative government coalition or whether elections in late October are the only way out.
Matarella has not yet met Salvini or the leader of the five-star de Mayo movement.
