Italy likely to hold national elections on March 4

ROME (Reuters): Italy’s parliament will be dissolved between Christmas and the New Year with national elections likely set for March 4, a parliamentary source in contact with the president’s office said on Wednesday.

The source said the vote could also be held on March 11, with a final decision due to be taken shortly. A national election must be held by May, but most political parties are keen to hold elections as soon as possible.

While the centre-right is seen winning most seats at the forthcoming ballot, opinion polls suggest it will not win an absolute majority, making a hung parliament the most likely outcome.

The source said President Sergio Mattarella would almost certainly dissolve both houses after Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni had held his traditional end-of-year news conference, which is set for Dec. 28.

By that date, parliament is expected to have approved the 2018 budget — the last major piece of legislation still under discussion.

Italian politicians have already effectively launched into campaign mode, promoting their policy ideas on television chat shows and staging rallies across the country. Gentiloni will remain prime minister until a new government is formed.