The decision, announced in an extraordinary session of Parliament, came after the interior minister, Matteo Salvini, had called for a no-confidence vote in the coalition government. Instead of bothering with the vote, Mr. Conte said he would resign.

Context: During Mr. Conte’s short tenure, the government’s increasingly anti-migrant and anti-establishment policies have isolated it inside Europe, while economic growth has slowed.

What’s next: Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, will consult with party leaders to see if a new majority can form another government. If not, he is likely to call for early elections, possibly as soon as October.

If elections are called, Mr. Salvini — one of Europe’s most nationalist leaders, whose popularity has surged over the last year — might find an opportunity to consolidate his power.

Related: A ship carrying over 80 migrants stranded off the coast of Italy for nearly three weeks must be allowed to dock, an Italian prosecutor ordered.