The government of Sicily is at grave risk of defaulting on its debts, warned Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti.

In a statement, Monti also said he is seeking confirmation that Sicily’s regional governor Raffaele Lombardo will quit later this month.

According to Reuters, Sicily, which enjoys special autonomous status, has racked up debts of about €5 billion and must make annual interest payments of up to €600 million.

The solutions which could be considered, that involve action on the part of the government, cannot fail to take account of the situation of the administration at regional level, the Prime Minister stated.