Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned on Thursday after his national unity government fell apart, setting the country on course for an early election and hitting financial markets, writes Reuters.

Draghi, an unelected former central banker who has led a broad coalition for 18 months, tendered his resignation in a meeting with President Sergio Mattarella.

Mattarella’s office said the head of state had “taken note” of the resignation and asked Draghi to remain in a caretaker capacity.