Political novice on the verge of becoming Italy's Prime Minister

Giuseppe Conte, right, with the leader of the Five-Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio, during a meeting in Rome. Photo / AP

Giuseppe Conte has an established academic law career, about 900 twitter followers and a name virtually unknown in the Italian political world.

Now, he's on the verge of becoming this country's leader.

The two populist parties that emerged from Italy's Mach election with the greatest momentum have partnered to form the next government, and today they selected Conte as their preferred Prime Minister.

They are placing a political novice at the forefront as Italy prepares to toughen its stance on migration and push back against the European Union.

But the decision, like the agreement between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far right League, faces several steps before it can become final.

Among them: The new government and its leader must receive approval from the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella.

After meeting today with Mattarella to discuss the nomination, the head of the Five Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio, called Conte a "self-made man" who had the support of the two new forces in Italian politics.

The two parties have been in protracted negotiations to end 2 1/2 months of political deadlock following elections that did not produce a clear-cut winner.

"I am very proud of this name," Di Maio said, speaking to reporters about Conte, "because it's the synthesis between the Five Star Movement and the League."

He said that Italy was nearing a "historic moment."

The irony: Italy’s populists have spent years complaining about unelected coalitions and technocrats. They may have just formed one and picked one as Prime Minister. #Conte #Italy

— Ferdinando Giugliano (@FerdiGiugliano) May 21, 2018

Italy's two biggest anti-establishment parties have finally struck a deal to form government. On the agenda:
– More public spending
– An aggressive crackdown on immigration
– A shift towards Russia in foreign policy https://t.co/A33S6Lb8Lv

— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) May 18, 2018