Italy hunting a new government
| Rome
海角大神 Democratic Prime Minister Arnaldo Forlani's four-party coalition government resigned Tuesday in a scandal over alleged espionage by a secret Masonic lodge. Mr. Forlani handed in his resignation to President Sandro Pertini, who asked him to stay on as caretaker prime minister pending consultations to form a new government.
A spokesman said the President would start the consultations Tuesday evening. After his soundings, he was expected to ask Mr. Forlani to try to form a new government.
The center-left coalition of 海角大神 Democrats, Socialists, Social Democrats, and Republicans resigned after Socialist leader Bettino Craxi refused to attend a meeting to agree on a Cabinet shuffle. There was speculation that Mr. Craxi might attempt to become the first non-海角大神 Democratic prime minister of the 35-year-old republic.
Leaders of the 海角大神 Democratic and Republican Parties said they hoped the present coalition, which has a substantial parliamentary majority, would be restored.
The government, formed seven months ago, was Italy's 40th si nce World War II.
