Italian PM Conte resigns as coalition row deepens after Salvini calls for new election

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced his resignation, delivering a blistering attack on Matteo Salvini after the deputy PM backed out of the shaky coalition.

Conte said he would step down on Tuesday, following a move last week by Salvini – who also serves as interior minister – to withdraw from the ruling coalition, plunging Italy into political turmoil.

“Salvini’s decision [to withdraw] is serious, it has relevant consequences for the economic and social life of the country,” Conte said. 

Conte submitted his formal resignation to President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday afternoon after a Senate debate, and Mattarella accepted it. Conte will reportedly remain Italy’s temporary ‘caretaker’ PM until his replacement is chosen.

Salvini, who leads Italy’s ruling League party, called for a new election earlier this month, saying the coalition is no longer feasible. He clashed a number of times with fellow Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio, who heads the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.

The resignation will not trigger a snap election immediately, however. Mattarella will be tasked with deciding on the way forward, which could involve either a caretaker government if lawmakers approve, or he could install a new government if another parliamentary majority emerges. The Five Star Movement is reportedly in talks with the left-of-center Democratic Party to form a new government.

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