Italy's prime minister announced he's stepping down.
During a lengthy speech to the Italian Senate Tuesday, Giuseppe Conte said he would submit his resignation to the president later on.
Conte also launched a scathing attack on Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. He said Salvini's decision to call for new elections and pull his support for the government was "irresponsible." And he accused him of creating a new political crisis in order to advance his own interests.
Conte's announcement preempted a confidence vote for the prime minister that Salvini had called for.
What happens next is up to Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The president could call for early elections, potentially as soon as October. But he could also decide to consult with party leaders to see if they can form a new coalition government.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
