Italian Senate to debate no-confidence motion in government

The Italian Senate will meet on Aug 20 for a motion of no confidence in the government.

Parliamentary party leaders in the Senate on Aug 13 decided the date when Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte would face the vote in parliament, which was requested last week by League party leader, Matteo Salvini. The League party had formed a coalition with Conte's Five Star Movement.

The two coalition partners have been at odds on most issues since they joined forces to run the country last year. Salvini, whose popularity has been soaring, wants Italians to go to the polls quickly, possibly as early as October.

Politicians from all the parties in parliament said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will address the Senate on that day. Conte must offer his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella if the motion passes.