Rome - The Italian President, Mr Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, summoned the speakers of both houses of parliament yesterday, signalling he was ready to set the date of a general election.
The consultations indicated that Mr Ciampi was preparing to dissolve parliament, the longest surviving legislature for 33 years. It is only the fifth parliament since 1945 to run its full course.
Most commentators expect the elections to be held on either May 6th or May 13th.