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ROME, Aug. 22-- Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Thursday that he would decide on possible snap elections next week, after a new round of talks with parties aimed at solving the crisis triggered by the collapse of the populist government. "The president of the Republic has a duty to not preclude the will expressed by a majority of forces in parliament," Mattarella declared at a short press conference at the Quirinale Palace. "At the same time... in the country's interest, I have the duty to ask (from parties) quick decisions." "I will start new political consultations next Tuesday, in order to make the necessary decision," he said. On Wednesday and Thursday, the head of state held a first round of talks with leaders of every single party holding seats in parliament, to verify whether there was the political will to forge an alternative majority and form a new government. This followed the resignation of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday, which put an end of the 15-month or so rightwing government based on a coalition between far-right, anti-immigrant League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S). The prime minister's resignation was due to the decision of League leader Matteo Salvini to pull the plug on the government earlier in August in a bid to trigger snap elections. Speaking to reporters, Mattarella explained that during the first round of talks some of the parties told him there were ongoing negotiations to find a possible deal and solve the current crisis, and asked him for more time. | 
