Italy's election: everything you need to know
What could the result of the poll be, and what will it mean for the country and the EU?
What’s the story and why does it matter?
Europe’s fourth largest economy goes to the polls on Sunday 4 March under a new and untested electoral law, for a general election that most observers believe will result in a hung parliament with no outright winner.
With a €2.3tn debt load representing 135% of its GDP and more than 20% of the eurozone’s total, persistent deficits, a still-stagnant economy, decidedly shaky banks and populism irrupting into its politics, Italy is seen as a risk not just to itself but to the EU – even if some parties’ earlier calls for a euro exit have faded.
The Five Star Movement, led by 31-year-old Luigi Di Maio, is polling as the largest single party while, including his own Forza Italia and some further right groups, is close to 10 points ahead.
