(VOVworld) – The Italian President has appointed Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni interim Prime Minister to replace Matteo Renzi, who resigned last Wednesday after losing a referendum on constitutional reform.

Paolo Gentiloni spoke in Rome after being appointed as Italy's interim Prime Minister (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Gentiloni immediately began consultations with Italian parties to form a government before the EU summit takes place this Thursday. If he fails to form a new administration, the President will have to name another prime minister.