Italy's referendum fails on poor turnout

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis snubbed a referendum on easing citizenship laws but has emerged stronger from the vote as the leftist opposition failed to mobilise mass opposition to her right-wing government after nearly three years in power.

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A coalition of political parties, unions and civil society groups had promoted the five-question referendum. The proposals included halving the period of residence required to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalisation to five years from IO as well as strengthening job protection rules. The “Yes” vote prevailed but only around 30% of eligible voters cast their ballots, far fewer than the required 50% plus one of the electorate needed for the referendum to be valid, meaning Meloni can ignore the results, quoted Reuters. Key government ministers had encouraged their supporters to boycott the referendum while the opposition had hoped that a strong turnout could help build momentum in favour of political change and challenge Meloni's domination of Italian politics. “It has been a big defeat for the left, that strengthens the government,” said Antonio Tajani, the deputy prime minister and leader of Forza Italia party, one of the coalition parties.