Rome ? Center-left leader Romano Prodi got the nod Tuesday to form Italy’s new government, ending a monthlong political limbo that followed bitterly contested elections.

Prodi got the mandate from the newly installed president, Giorgio Napolitano, during a meeting at the presidential palace. He said he would get to work immediately to complete his Cabinet list and that he hoped to form his government by this morning.

Once the president approves the lineup, Prodi becomes premier and will be quickly sworn in. He must then win a vote of confidence in both houses of parliament, a process expected to be concluded next week.

Prodi scored a narrow victory over Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative forces in April 9-10 elections, among the closest in modern Italy. But a check of contested ballots and the need to elect a new president – who has the power to give the mandate – delayed the takeover.