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Italian President Sergio Mattarella was pulled away from his impending retirement and reelected on Saturday to a second seven-year term as the country's head of state, ending days of political impasse by party leaders that risked eroding the nation's credibility.Italian President Sergio Mattarella has agreed to serve a second term after coalition parties failed to agree on a compromise candidate for the office.
The 80-year-old emerged as the most popular choice after six days of often tense voting in Rome.
He had expressed a desire to leave office, but local media reported Prime Minister Mario Draghi had convinced him to stay for the "stability" of Italy.
He was formally re-elected on Saturday, following an eighth round of voting.
Speaking after Saturday evening's vote, Mr Mattarella that he felt a "sense of responsibility" to remain in office in light of the health and economic challenges facing the country.