ROME _ The latest political crisis in Italy _ a country that has averaged about one government a year since World War II _ is steeped in betrayal and manipulation worthy of a classic Italian opera.
The most recent administration of the Five Star Movement and the anti-immigrant League Party lasted just 14 months, collapsing in acrimony when League leader Matteo Salvini withdrew his support for Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
With Salvini bidding to force new elections that could see him installed as premier, Conte resigned on Tuesday. He did so only after delivering a scathing rebuke of his deputy, sitting by his side in the Senate. Conte labeled Salvini an irresponsible political opportunist.
Here is a look at the key figures charged with attempting to bring some stability to the heavily indebted nation, at least temporarily.
