The youngest Prime Minister in Italy’s history, the former mayor of Florence was only 39 years old when he was sworn as prime Minister in 22 February 2014. He is considered left of center and has been a controversial figure in Italy especially as of late.
The referendum is a Yes or No vote to reduce the size of government in Italy. Currently the Italian legislature consists of 950 members, and under Renzi’s plan, would be cut by two-thirds. From the recent 60 Minutes interview with Charlie Rose :
“Charlie Rose: U.S. has 435 members of the House, and 100 members of the Senate.
Matteo Renzi: In Italy, the number are 630 in the Chamber, and in the Senate 315.
A “yes” vote would reduce the Senate to 100 members who would be appointed and not elected. Renzi believes the change is needed because the Senate is the graveyard of legislation in Italy.”
Renzi has also threatened to resign if the referendum does not pass. Many believe that his future as Italy’s prime minister is doomed regardless of the vote.
What do you think of this? I’d love to hear your opinion so please leave a comment. I am especially interested to hear the opinions from Italians who have the opportunity to vote on this referendum.
Ciao and Grazie
Addendum : Sunday night 2300 US time. The verdict is in. Italy voted no…read the story here. Italy votes no and Renzi resigns.
victoriabenchley
Thank you for posting. Many believe reducing the number of representatives will increase centralized power. Wishing all the best for Italy!
margieinitaly
Thanks Victoria for your feedback…Always appreciated. We will have to see what ensues next for Italy.
Frank
Why would the Italian government want to be top heavy, with so many politicians. Oversized government is not the answer, just weighs down the process and nothing gets accomplished.
It makes no sense either to appoint one hundred senators, that can favor one party. Election of politicans only way the people have any say who is going to serve and represent them in government.
margieinitaly
Thank you Frank for commenting. And my Italian friend just informed me that the polls are actually open until 2300 tonight Italy time
orna2013
Gosh Margie. Streamlining the Senate sounds like a good idea, but everywhere I go people are telling me they’re voting NO.
margieinitaly
I’ve heard that too, Orna… we should know soon
Un po' di pepe
I mailed in my vote last week. I tried to do as much research as possible, but it was really hard. I don’t think either result will lead to a good outcome☹️
margieinitaly
Thanks Cristina..Good to know that you voted..Let’s hope the outcome will produce some positive things for Italy
Bonnie Davis
I have been following this situation and I don’t think it will fly. But if it does, I don’t think he will retire. First it is nearly impossible to get rid of government jobs and second it is even more impossible to get rid of politicians.
margieinitaly
Probably right Bonnie, but in the in this political climate, one never knows…look at the US election and the UK Brexit vote
Andrew Petcher
Smaller Government has to be better. In UK we have over a thousand Members of the House of Lords – RIDICULOUS!
margieinitaly
Thanks Andrew..It seems the more people involved the more complicated. The polls close at 2300 Italy time…we should know some results by late tonight US time
stellalucentellc
Will be interesting to see what happens. I am glad you posted this Margie. Keep us in touch!
margieinitaly
Thanks..Watch this space…the polls close at 2300 Italy time …we should know some results by late tonight US time
Debra Kolkka
Most people I spoke to in Italy planned to vote no, but I have just spoken to a friend who thinks the big push for a yes by the media might change that. We will find out soon.
margieinitaly
Thanks Debra..Yes …Thanks..Watch this space…The polls close at 2300 Italy time…we should know some results by late tonight US time
Francis
Whatever happens people must vote. Look what happened ton the UK last June when a third didn’t bother to turn up.
orna2013
And in the US where 47% of the electorate apparently stayed at home.
margieinitaly
Truly…I hope everyone takes their responsibility to vote seriously.. Thanks..Watch this space…The polls close at 2300 Italy time…we should know some results by late tonight US time