Italian president names stop-gap PM
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has asked an ex-IMF economist to form a government as the country faces fresh political turmoil, BBC News reports.
Carlo Cottarelli became known as "Mr Scissors" for his cuts to public spending in Italy.
His appointment came after efforts by Italy's two populist parties to form a coalition government collapsed.
But the move is a temporary measure and the PM-in-waiting says he will hold new elections by early next year.
Italy, the EU's fourth-biggest economy, has been without a government since elections in March because no political group can form a majority.
Two of the big winners from the vote - Five Star and the League - attempted to join forces but abandoned efforts after the president vetoed their choice of finance minister.
Mr Mattarella said he could not appoint the Eurosceptic Paolo Savona to the post, citing concern from investors at home and abroad.
The rare move by the president sparked fury from both parties, who say they will reject Mr Cottarelli's nomination in parliament.