ROME (AP) — Former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi has accepted the Italian president’s bid to form a new government, announcing a Cabinet of experts mixed with political operatives, at once seeking to assure financial markets and tame a potentially unruly coalition. The formation of a broad-based government of national unity was widely expected after most political parties across the spectrum signaled their support for Draghi serving as Italy’s next premier. Italy is at a critical juncture as it battles the health and economic consequences of the pandemic, which struck Italy first outside of Asia almost exactly one year ago. Draghi, 73, replaces Giuseppe Conte, who resigned after a small party yanked support over the handling of the pandemic.
