UPDATE - Italy's 5-Stars boycott key vote, paving way to government crisis

UPDATES WITH DRAGHI'S TALK WITH PRESIDENT MATTARELLA, ADDS BACKGROUND, CHANGES DECK

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) - Italy's 5-Star Movement boycotted a key confidence vote in the Senate on Thursday, withdrawing its support from the government headed by premier Mario Draghi and paving the way to a government crisis.

A few minutes from the vote, Draghi headed to the Quirinale Palace to meet President Sergio Mattarella, who has the authority to manage a possible government collapse and indicate options to resolve it.

Despite the 5-Stars' walkout, the Draghi government survived the confidence vote, which had been called to obtain approval for a €23 billion ($23.1 billion) economic aid package for struggling families and businesses.

The vote passed with 172 in favor and 39 against, with none of the 5-Star senators participating.

The move, which stems from growing dissent among the 5-Stars over the government's policies, marks the start of a new phase of political turmoil, which could lead to early elections.

Draghi has already made clear that he will not lead another government without the support of the 5-Star Movement, ruling out a possible new mandate.

However, if Draghi offers his resignation, President Mattarella could still ask him to call another confidence vote in parliament to test the survival of the government's majority.

If such a vote fails, the president could consider the creation of another transitional government to lead Italy to new elections in early 2023.

The prospect of early elections in the fall remains a possibility, but conflicts with the need for a government in place during that period to draft a crucial budget law amid harsh economic conditions for families and businesses.