After the British referendum backfired on exiting Prime Minister David Cameron, will Italy’s upcoming referendum on constitutional reform work against prime minster Matter Renzi?
Italy’s referendum will likely to go ahead this autumn. But will it end up being the final curtain call for Renzi –the man who sponsored it. Renzi has said he would resign if the vote goes against him.
Unlike an EU exit however, the reform’s goal is not to leave the EU but to reduce the fragmentation that causes so many problems in Italian politics. It would reform the Senate, limiting the body’s legislative powers. If passed, the Senate will no longer be able to pass votes of confidence in the government and it will no longer be directly elected. Instead, a reduced membership will be selected by the regions from among their councilors and local mayors. The president will also appoint five members directly.
Renzi has said that the vote is between the “old”, poor performing, Italy and the “new.”
Opinion polls in the early months of 2016 suggested a sure win for the PM. But the gap has narrowed considerably.
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