The Italian Prime Minister has resigned his position after losing the support of his far-right coalition partners.

Giuseppe Conte announced his decision in the Senate this afternoon – accusing Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right-wing League party of betraying Italian citizens by pulling support for the Government.

He said Mr Salvini had “shown that he is following his own interests and those of his party.”

“His decisions pose serious risks for this country.”

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte at the Senate in Rome, 20-08-2019. Image: Gregorio Borgia/AP/Press Association Images

Mr Salvini pulled the plug on his party’s coalition with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement earlier this month, accusing his partners of being obstructionist.

He aims to exploit the League's growing popularity by forcing an election more than three years ahead of schedule.

His decision to pull support for the Government saw politicians recalled from their summer recess to decide on the future of the Government.

Italian Deputy-Premier Matteo Salvini kisses a rosary as Premier Giuseppe Conte addresses the Senate in Rome, 20-09-2018. Image: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

He sat next to Mr Conte as the prime minister announced his resignation today. He shook his head and rolled his eyes as his actions were criticised.

Mr Conte said he would formally hand his resignation to Italian President Sergio Mattarella later today.

The president could then ask him to stay on and seek alternative majority in Parliament.

He could also accept the resignation and allow another leader to try and piece together a coalition.

If both of these options fail, President Mattarella could dissolve parliament and hold a new election as early as October.