Italy's Five Star sits out key vote, raising risk of Draghi exit

Five Star, riven by in-fighting and haemorrhaging support in the polls, refused to participate in the vote, despite Draghi's warning that he would not continue without its backing.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (File Photo | AP Photo) 

ROME: Italy's Five Star Movement sat out a confidence vote on Thursday, plunging Prime Minister Mario Draghi's coalition government into crisis and potentially triggering its downfall and a snap general election.

Formerly anti-establishment Five Star (M5S), riven by in-fighting and haemorrhaging support in the polls, refused to participate in the vote, despite Draghi's warning that he would not continue without its backing.