Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigns

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi handed over his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, which was "noted". As stated in a presidential statement on Thursday, the government has been instructed to carry out current duties.

"Italian President Sergio Mattarella today received Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who, after discussing the situation following the vote in the Senate, submitted his government's resignation. The President of the Republic took note of this, and the government was instructed to carry out current duties," the statement said. 

Earlier, Draghi announced in the lower house of parliament that he intended to inform the head of state about his intentions. By noon, he is again expected in the hall of the Chamber of Deputies, where he will make a short statement.

Draghi submitted his resignation last week, which was rejected by the president, since formally the government did not lose the support of the parliamentary majority. The anomaly lies in the fact that the day before the upper chamber (the Senate) expressed confidence in the prime minister, but with a minimum number of votes. Less than half of the senators took part in the vote, while three parties refused to participate at once - the 5 Star Movement, Forward, Italy and the League, which are part of the ruling coalition.