Italian premier-designate hope to present new govt by Saturday, seek confidence vote Monday

ROME – Premier-designate Matteo Renzi says he should be able to form a new Italian government by Saturday and seek a confidence vote in parliament on Monday.

Renzi, who engineered the demise of his party colleague Enrico Letta's government last week, said Wednesday he is "convinced" he can forge a viable coalition, after holding talks with potential coalition partners.

He said he hopes to present his government to the president by Saturday, and unveil his strategy to quickly revive the economy, make Italy more governable and rein in taxes.