EU leaders weigh in as Italy's new populists set to work

ROME – Italy's premier-designate Giuseppe Conte is finalizing his proposed cabinet list as European leaders begin weighing in on the EU's future with decidedly euroskeptic and populist Italy in its ranks.

Conte, a law professor and political unknown, received a mandate from President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday to try to form a government after the 5-Star Movement and anti-immigrant League pitched him as their candidate for premier.

After two months of political deadlock following inconclusive elections, Conte spent his first day on the job meeting in scheduled consultations with a steady stream of political leaders. Both left and right expressed concern about the 5-Star-League government program Conte has vowed to implement.

In Brussels, meanwhile, finance ministers gathering for a Eurogroup meeting expressed relief at Conte's pledge to respect Italy's European commitments.