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Italian President Steps Down, Citing Age and ‘Fatigue’

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Italy’s 89-year-old president, citing age and “signs of fatigue,” tendered his resignation on Wednesday, leaving the current Prime Minister short of one key ally in an ambitious plan to push legislative reforms through the country’s fractious parliament.

President Giorgio Napolitano cut short his second term in office after acknowledging his fading energy in an end-of-the-year address to the nation, the Wall Street Journal reports. His resignation comes as Italy’s youngest ever Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, prepared a raft of bold economic reforms aimed at lifting the nation’s economy out of a series of painful contractions.

Napolitano had gained a reputation as a seasoned politician who could corral Italy’s divided parliamentarians into voting blocs. His resignation itself is expected to open up a contentious parliamentary vote over a successor.

See Photos of Europe's Largest 3D Scanner

Martin Benes from 3D gang company demonstrates one of the stages of 3D scanning on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. The 3D scanner is the largest in continental Europe, with 115 sensors, and is designed to scan objects, people and animals.
Martin Benes from 3D gang company demonstrates one of the stages of 3D scanning on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. The 3D scanner is the largest in continental Europe, with 115 sensors, and is designed to scan objects, people and animals. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Martin Benes from 3D gang company is seen through the viewfinder as he demonstrates one of the stages of 3D scanning on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Martin Benes from 3D gang company is seen through the viewfinder as he demonstrates one of the stages of 3D scanning on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Europe's Largest 3D Scanner
Martin Benes works with a 3D model on the computer on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Europe's Largest 3D Scanner
Martin Benes works with a 3D model of himself on the computer on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Europe's Largest 3D Scanner
Martin Benes from 3D gang company holds a printed figurine of himself on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Europe's Largest 3D Scanner
Martin Benes from 3D gang company demonstrates one of the stages of 3D scanning on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images
Europe's Largest 3D Scanner
Printed figurines stand on display at the 3D gang company on August 26, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Matej Divizna—Getty Images

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