Mario Monti (photo courtesy of Friends of Europe)

President Giorgio Napolitano chose Monti after Italian political leaders from across the spectrum supported a non-political, technocratic administration to guide Italy's recovery from its current financial crisis. Monti's nomination comes just one day after Napolitano accepted Silvio Berlusconi's resignation. Monti's first order of business will be stabilizing Italy's economy.

"Italy must once again be an element of strength, not weakness, in the European Union," Monti said. 

Monti is expected to present a cabinet of non-politicians as well as his plan to head the new government on Monday. Napolitano must approve his choices. Then Parliament must vote confidence in his program before his duties commence.

Leaders of Berlusconi's People of Liberty party told Napolitano Sunday they would support Monti's nomination, practically ensuring Monti's confirmation. The support is conditional, however. People of Liberty party member Angelino Alfano said the lifespan of the Monti government "can only be linked to [its] program and its implementation."