The Latest: Renzi arrives to tender resignation as Italy PM

Renzi tried to resign on Monday, but President Sergio Mattarella told him to stay on until Parliament gave final approval to the 2017 national budget legislation.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, on the verge of resigning, says his Democratic Party doesn't fear elections if they're called soon, as some opposition parties demand.

Renzi had offered his resignation two days earlier to President Sergio Mattarella following his humiliating defeat in a government-backed voter referendum on reforms.

The Italian Senate on Wednesday has approved the 2017 state budget, a step required by the nation's president before he would accept Premier Matteo Renzi's resignation.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is opening his final days in office by meeting with his party members, as opposition leaders jockey for position following his resounding defeat in a weekend referendum.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella had asked Renzi to stay on until the crucial budget law clears before he begins consultations with political leaders on forming a government that can last until new elections are held.

[...] 60 percent of voters cast "no" ballots.