World Notes Italy

"Andreotti! Andreotti!" The word spread from table to table in restaurants near the Italian Parliament, as lunching politicians learned that President Francesco Cossiga had selected Giulio Andreotti, 67, to form Italy's 45th government since World War II. The diners had been pondering the government's future since Socialist Prime Minister Bettino Craxi resigned as leader of the five-party coalition three weeks ago.

Andreotti, a Christian Democrat who served as Foreign Minister under Craxi and five times earlier as Prime Minister, had not been considered a front- running candidate. The biggest problem he faces in his effort to put together a coalition that can win a parliamentary vote of confidence is the opposition of the Socialist Party. Within an hour of Andreotti's appointment, the Socialists issued a statement opposing him.