Twin proto-independence referendums in Italy today:
ITALY is facing its own referendum crisis as two regions, Lombardy and Veneto, engage in a bid for more power from Rome, buoyed by the Catalonia independence campaign in Spain. The wealthy Italian regions account for at least 30 per cent of the country’s GDP and they will ask voters to take to the polls today to gain greater autonomy from Rome.
Analysts have likened the Italian referendum vote as being similar to that of Scotland’s independence vote from Britain, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, and Catalonia’s quest for independence from Spain.
The votes were called by the two regional leaders, Roberto Maroni of Lombardy and Luca Zaia of Veneto. In Italy, the twin referendums are non-binding, but a resounding “yes” vote would give the presidents of the neighbouring regions more powers.
Forza la Lega Nord! And let’s bring back La Serenissima while we’re at it.