Today’s evening, President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved Italy's parliament. The move comes after several key parties refused to form a coalition with Prime Minister Mario Draghi, prompting his resignation.

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has signed a decree dissolving the country's parliament. This now paves the way for fresh elections to be held.

"The dissolution of the parliamentary chamber is always the last choice," Mattarella said, noting the political circumstances that led to the move.

Earlier on Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi tendered his resignation while meeting with Mattarella, as efforts to save Italy's unity government faltered following a failed confidence vote in the Senate.

He announced his intention to resign during an address to Italian Parliament. Mattarella accepted the resignation.