Mario Draghi, Italy’s Prime Minister, has resigned.
The resignation comes a year and a half after he was appointed as Italy’s unelected head of a unity government.
He informed President Sergio Mattarella that he was stepping down after three parties in his government refused to support him in a confidence vote the night before.
The president has asked to remain as caretaker leader until early elections this autumn.
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Eurozone Crisis
Mr. Draghi was dubbed “Super Mario” for his handling of the eurozone crisis as President of the European Central Bank. Last year, he was tasked with guiding Italy through the Covid pandemic and economic recovery, which was bolstered by a large EU package contingent on major reforms.
Resignation
He first offered his resignation a week ago after a populist party in his broad-based government refused to support his economic package, sparking a political crisis that prompted President Mattarella to ask him to reconsider his position.
According to reports, Mr. Draghi told the upper house of parliament that he would continue if political parties were willing to back a strong, cohesive government with a “new pact of trust.”
However, three of the parties decided not to support him in a vote of confidence.
Mr. Draghi addressed the lower house of parliament and received applause before proceeding to the presidential palace, the Quirinale. “Even central bankers have their hearts touched from time to time.” “Thank you for all your efforts during this time,” he said.
President Mattarella stated that his government would remain in office to handle current affairs, but he did not specify what would happen next. Elections were scheduled for the first half of 2023, but will most likely be moved up to October.
