Rome, July 21 (BNA): Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi submitted his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella after the collapse of his unity government, plunging the country into political turmoil and hitting financial markets.
Mattarella’s office said the head of state had “taken note” of the resignation and asked Draghi to remain in caretaker duties, Reuters reported.
Political sources said earlier this week that he is likely to dissolve parliament and call early elections in October.
Mattarella plans to meet with the presidents of both houses of parliament.
The Italian alliance collapsed when three of Draghi’s main partners rejected a vote of confidence he had called to try to end divisions and renew their fractured alliance.
Italian bonds and stocks sold off sharply as markets prepared for the first rate hike from the European Central Bank since 2011.
ZHB