Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday officially resigned, remitting his mandate to the hands of the president, and putting an end to his national unity government after 17 months in office.
"President Sergio Mattarella has received Mario Draghi, who ... has reiterated the resignation of the government he leads," a statement from Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic Ugo Zampetti read.
Read: Italian Premier Draghi's resignation is rebuffed , for now
"The President has taken note (of the resignation). The current government remains in office to take care of current affairs," it added. ■