Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation Tuesday. The announcement set the country on an uncertain political course that could lead to a snap election or a new governing alliance.
Conte’s move preempted a no-confidence vote that had been expected to take place, after Matteo Salvini, leader of the populist far-right League party and Italy’s interior minister, called for it.
“This government ends here,” Conte said.
In response, Salvini said that he would “do what I did all over again,” adding, “I am a free man. I am not afraid of the judgment of Italians.”
Conte’s resignation will not automatically trigger a snap election, the matter is now up to President Sergio Mattarella.