Italian PM Conte says he will resign after parliament debate

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced on Tuesday he is going to step down before a vote of no confidence in his leadership was due to take place.

The vote was triggered by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, a decision Conte said "has major consequences on the country and its economy. This government ends here."

Conte said Salvini, the leader of the far-right League, was an "opportunist" for instigating a government crisis.

"He is only looking after his own interests and those of his party," said Conte, adding that the prospect of Salvini becoming the country's next leader was "worrying".

What happens next is up to President Sergio Mattarella, as Conte's resignation does not automatically lead to an election.

If an alternative parliamentary majority can be secured by coalition, Mattarella may allow the formation of a new government without a vote.

Alternatively, if there is sufficient legislative backing, he could install a caretaker government.