Italian PM to resign after failure to form gov't coalition

ROME, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced Tuesday that he would resign from his post after failure in forming a coalition government between Five Star Movement and the Lega Nord (Northern League) parties.
In a statement to the Senate, Conte said that he would tender his resignation and halt the work of the cabinet as a result of the crisis caused by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, head of the Lega Nord.
Conte revealed that Italian President Sergio Mattarella would lead the country in this critical period until a new government was proclaimed.
The Prime Minister accused Salvini of creating a debacle in forming the government for "selfish" reasons. (end) mn.gta