ROME (AP) — The Latest on Italian government politics (all times local):
3:40 p.m.
The Italian presidential palace says Premier Giuseppe Conte has formed a new government, a coalition of the populist 5-Star Movement and left-leaning Democrats that shuts out of power right-wing leader Matteo Salvini.
Six days after President Sergio Mattarella tasked him with trying to form a new coalition, Conte reported back on Wednesday to say he succeeded.
His first, 14-month-old government collapsed last month when Salvini yanked his anti-migrant League party out of the populist coalition in a foiled bid to trigger early elections so he could gain the premiership himself.
12:55 p.m.
Political leaders say they've put the final touches on Italy's next government, which will shut out right-wing firebrand Matteo Salvini and his anti-migrant League.
Premier-designate Giuseppe Conte is expected to report back soon to Italy's president, possibly later Wednesday, with a Cabinet list for what would be his second government.
Salvini toppled Conte's previous, populist coalition by yanking his party's coalition support last month, hoping to force an election and become premier himself.
But, despite bitter rivalry, the center-left Democratic Party has agreed to govern with the populist 5-Star Movement, which again will be senior partner.
The coalition must win mandatory confidence votes in the legislature's two chambers. Together, the Democrats, 5-Stars and a tiny left-wing party should muster a slim majority.
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