Italy's presidential vote begins with Draghi's future in balance

FILE PHOTO: General view of the Italian Parliament as Prime Minister Mario Draghi addresses deputies on April 26, 2021 at Montecitorio palace in Rome with plans on how to spend EU recovery funds. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

ROME (Reuters) -Italy's parliament began voting on Monday for a new head of state, with Prime Minister Mario Draghi among the most prominent candidates in a wide-open contest which will be closely monitored by financial markets.

With a cross-party accord looking elusive, the election could trigger fresh political uncertainty in the euro zone's third largest economy, which is facing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections and deaths.