Italy's chance of stable government after elections this weekend may rely on forcing two awkward partners into coalition: former European Commissioner Mario Monti and a leftist Nichi Vendola.
The centre-left coalition, in which Vendola's Left Ecology Freedom (SEL) is the main partner allied to the larger Democratic Party (PD), may have to join forces with Monti's centrist group in order to rule. Monti has called Vendola, whose defence of welfare and labor rights appeal to traditional left-wingers, an obstacle to much needed economic reforms and urged PD leader Pier Luigi Bersani, most likely head of the next government, to drop him.
Critics suggest if Vendola agrees to govern with Monti, he could hinder the radical reforms that economists say are necessary to revive Italy's stagnant economy. Bersani, who signed a joint political programme with Vendola last year, says he will not drop his coalition partner and will mediate between Vendola and Monti if an alliance is needed. Vendola and Monti may have little choice but to get along. An inconclusive result could mean the only alternative to joining forces would be to hold fresh elections.
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