Italy minister pours cold water on early election talk

Italy's Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda, speaks during a news conference in Tel Aviv, Israel April 3, 2017. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

ROME (Reuters) - Industry Minister Carlo Calenda said on Wednesday that Italy had plenty of work to do before it could hold an election, making clear his opposition to an early vote in the autumn of this year.

Speaking at the assembly of employers' lobby Confindustria, Calenda said that before elections Italy needed to draw up new voting rules, pass a 2018 budget and recapitalise its ailing banks.