The votes, which were not binding and held in line with the Italian constitution, contrast sharply with the independence campaign in Catalonia, which held a referendum on October 1 that was ruled illegal by the Madrid government and Spanish courts. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Saturday that Madrid will dismiss the whole Catalan Cabinet, assume all the powers of the regional executive, curb the role of the Catalan parliament and call a regional election within six months.
According to partial data in Italy, turnout was around 60 percent in Veneto and just below 40 percent in Lombardy. In both regions, more than 95 percent of those who voted said Yes to more autonomy. [...]
The referendums are a boost for the Northern League as its leaders negotiate with Rome on the devolution of powers and tax revenues. The two regional governors pledged to ask for more autonomy over infrastructure, the environment, health and education.
Although the Northern League began life as a secessionist party it has been transformed by current leader Matteo Salvini into a populist, anti-immigration party with national ambitions.
No comments:
Post a Comment