Government sees early election no "threat": Italian PM

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Thursday that the government will not see a possible early election as a "threat."

"The stability of a country is always relevant, and also at international level. Yet, stability cannot hold democracy captive, and if there is a vote, that vote can not be seen as a threat," said Gentiloni at a year-end press conference.

Gentiloni received the mandate from Italian President Sergio Mattarella to form a transitional government days after former prime minister Matteo Renzi resigned on Dec. 7 for losing a crucial referendum.

Gentiloni is from the same party of Renzi, the center-left Democratic Party (PD), the largest political force in the parliament.

The recently appointed prime minister explained his cabinet's efforts next year will focus on restoring "social cohesion" after the referendum on constitutional reforms held in early December.

He also vowed to continue the reform path launched by the previous government led by Renzi.

"For all the available time that we will have, the (reform) path will continue," Gentiloni said.

"We must be aware the completion of the reforms is not a sign of stubbornness on my part," said Gentiloni, noting that "They are a country's need, because reforms are good for the economic growth and for the simplification of the state."

The PM also put tackling unemployment and boosting growth in the undeveloped southern regions on the government's priorities for next year's agenda.

He also mentioned some major commitments awaiting Italy in 2017, including taking a seat on the Security Council of the United Nations, as non-permanent member, and assuming the presidency of the G7 from Jan. 1. Enditem