Italy's president asks PM Renzi to delay resignation

ROMA

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Monday night has asked Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to postpone his resignation until the parliament approves the 2017 budget.

The prime minister on Monday announced his resignation after his defeat in Sunday’s referendum for constitutional reform.

With nearly 60 percent of voters rejecting the constitutional change, according to unofficial results, Renzi said the "No camp" won and he "took full responsibility for the clear defeat".

The 2017 budget is expected to be voted on in a matter of days, according to local media.

*Reporting by Baris Seckin; Writing by Ahmet Sait Akcay