Our live coverage of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's resignation has concluded. You can read more about it here.
Here's what you need to know:
- Conte resigned: After senators debated for nearly four hours, Conte confirmed he planned to resign. He then visited Italy's President Sergio Mattarella at the presidential palace and officially resigned.
- What Conte said: In an hour-long speech, Conte launched a scathing attack on far-right League party's leader Matteo Salvini, the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, who is thought to be vying for his job.
- Why is this happening? Earlier this month, Salvini pushed for new elections, saying that the government coalition between the hardline anti-immigrant League party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement no longer holds a majority in parliament. Conte said Salvini's demand for fresh elections — a mere 18 months after the last ones were held — was "irresponsible" and accused him of putting the national interest at risk in order to advance his own personal interests.
- What happens next? Mattarella will first hold official meetings with Italy's former President Giorgio Napolitano, then with the speakers of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, and lastly with representatives of all the other political parties.