Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced he is handing in his resignation.
Mr Conte made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon after delivering a blistering attack against coalition partner and leader of nationalist League party Matteo Salvini.
It comes after interiot minister Mr Salvini tabled a no confidence motion against the prime minister, withdrawing support for the populist government.
In response, Mr Conte called Mr Salvini “irresponsible” and said he created a new political crisis for Italy for “personal and party interests”.
Mr Conte also stressed that a sudden government crisis puts Italy at risk of "political and financial instability".
Addressing parliament over the political turmoil unleashed by the League on Tuesday, Mr Conte said he would hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Mr Mattarella, as head of state, could ask Mr Conte to stay on and try to find an alternative majority in parliament, or accept his resignation and see if another leader can forge an alternative coalition.
Failing that, the president could dissolve parliament, setting the stage for a new general election as early as October.
Mr Salvini said he triggered a government crisis in the middle of the summer because he does not fear the prospect of an early vote.
He addressed senators on Tuesday after Mr Conte's announcement spelled the end of the populist government forged only 14 months ago.
Mr Salvini said he would "do again everything I did ... I'm a free man and I don't fear Italians' judgment".
He has been manoeuvring to become Italy's next leader as support for his party grows on his anti-migrant stance.
