Italian PM-designate to present gov't by Saturday

ROME (AP) — Italian premier-designate Matteo Renzi wrapped up talks Wednesday with both likely coalition partners and opposition leaders, promising to put together a new government by the end of the week.

Renzi said he needed another day or so to develop his recipe for reviving the economy by encouraging hiring and reining in taxes. Also topping his agenda are reforms to overhaul an electoral system that has repeatedly yielded political paralysis. Earlier this week, Italy’s president gave the Democratic Party leader the mandate to try to forge a viable coalition, and Renzi expressed confidence he would be able to report back on Saturday that he has succeeded.