ITALY NEWS: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to reach a major political milestone on September 4, when her government is expected to become Italy's longest-serving uninterrupted government since the republic was founded in 1946.

Meloni took office on October 22, 2022, and is set to reach 1,413 days in power, surpassing the previous record associated with Silvio Berlusconi's second government.

The milestone is particularly significant given Italy's long history of political instability. Since the republic was founded in 1946, the country has had dozens of governments, with administrations historically lasting relatively short periods.

Meloni has also undergone a significant transformation on the international stage. Once viewed as a radical political figure, she has adopted a more pragmatic approach and positioned herself as a key European Union partner and strong supporter of Ukraine.

Giorgia Meloni Set To Become Italy's Longest-Serving PM | Historic Milestone On September 4

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.</p>

<p>“If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel.</p>

<p>Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo.</p>

<p>Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather</strong></p>

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<p>Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of&nbsp;Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.”</p>

<p>While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault.</p>

<p>Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the&nbsp;opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable."</p>

<p>"If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments.</p>

<p>“Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture,"&nbsp;the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Did nothing wrong: Giambruno</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say."</p>

<p>"I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women."</p>

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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments. “If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel. Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo. Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Also watch | 11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather × Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.” While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault. Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable." "If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments. “Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture," the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement Did nothing wrong: Giambruno Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say." "I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni's partner accused of blaming survivor for rape

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the criticism she has been facing for taking her six-year-old daughter Ginevra to G20 summit in Indonesia. Meloni was the only female Prime Minister of a Group of 20 country in the now-concluded G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I come home from two days of tireless work to represent Italy with the best of my abilities at the G20 summit in Bali, I come across an incredible debate over whether or not it was right to take my daughter with me," Meloni wrote on Facebook.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-agate-bowl-to-pithora-pm-modis-gifts-to-g20-leaders-showcase-the-rich-heritage-of-india-534895">From Agate Bowl to Pithora: PM Modi's gifts to G20 leaders showcase the rich heritage of India</a></strong></p>

<p>"The question I have for the animators of this exciting discussion is: so you think that how I should raise my daughter is a matter that concerns you? Because I give you news: it's not. I have the right to be a mother as I please and I have the right to do everything I can for this nation without depriving Ginevra of a mother," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I hope this answer is enough to make you deal with more relevant or even vaguely relevant matters."</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci5GKxeDE1r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni)</a></p>
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<p>Italy's Opposition politician Mara Carfagna of Azione Party said in a tweet, "I too have taken my daughter to conventions and political meetings. Let no one judge the choices of mothers."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-2022-india-heads-towards-g20-presidency-533636">G20 Summit 2022: India heads towards G20 Presidency</a></strong></p>

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<p>The controversy erupted after an article in La Stampa newspaper read, "Workers don't take their daughters to the factory... I'm pretty sure that Meloni would have no problems talking to China while she helps Ginevra to do subtractions... of course if I were her, I'd spend these three days in Bali among adults, I'm sorry daughter, but mummy is saving Italy, if you need anything, ask daddy, I'll be back soon, brush your teeth."</p>

<p>Giorgia Meloni is the first Italian woman to serve as country's Prime Minister. She was elected to office last month after a Centre-Right alliance led by her claimed over 43 per cent votes, translating into 114 seats.</p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the criticism she has been facing for taking her six-year-old daughter Ginevra to G20 summit in Indonesia. Meloni was the only female Prime Minister of a Group of 20 country in the now-concluded G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the criticism she has been facing for taking her six-year-old daughter Ginevra to G20 summit in Indonesia. Meloni was the only female Prime Minister of a Group of 20 country in the now-concluded G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. "As I come home from two days of tireless work to represent Italy with the best of my abilities at the G20 summit in Bali, I come across an incredible debate over whether or not it was right to take my daughter with me," Meloni wrote on Facebook. ALSO READ | From Agate Bowl to Pithora: PM Modi's gifts to G20 leaders showcase the rich heritage of India "The question I have for the animators of this exciting discussion is: so you think that how I should raise my daughter is a matter that concerns you? Because I give you news: it's not. I have the right to be a mother as I please and I have the right to do everything I can for this nation without depriving Ginevra of a mother," she added. "I hope this answer is enough to make you deal with more relevant or even vaguely relevant matters." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni) × Italy's Opposition politician Mara Carfagna of Azione Party said in a tweet, "I too have taken my daughter to conventions and political meetings. Let no one judge the choices of mothers." WATCH | G20 Summit 2022: India heads towards G20 Presidency × The controversy erupted after an article in La Stampa newspaper read, "Workers don't take their daughters to the factory... I'm pretty sure that Meloni would have no problems talking to China while she helps Ginevra to do subtractions... of course if I were her, I'd spend these three days in Bali among adults, I'm sorry daughter, but mummy is saving Italy, if you need anything, ask daddy, I'll be back soon, brush your teeth." Giorgia Meloni is the first Italian woman to serve as country's Prime Minister. She was elected to office last month after a Centre-Right alliance led by her claimed over 43 per cent votes, translating into 114 seats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italian PM Georgia Meloni hits back at critics, defends taking six-year-old daughter to G20 summit

It's not just UK that is having political problems even in Italy. Now, Italy is getting a new Prime Minister and that too a woman. In a first, Italy is all set to welcome its first woman Prime Minister - Georgia Meloni.

Georgia Meloni all set to become Italy's first woman Prime Minister

<p>The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came top in general elections on Sunday (September 25), according to the first exit polls.&nbsp;The party won between 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote, according to national broadcaster RAI.</p>

<p>A right-wing coalition with her allies, Matteo Salvini's far-right League and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, was expected to win a clear majority in both houses of parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On July 21, Mario Draghi announced his resignation after a populist party in his coalition government refused to back an economic package for businesses and families. Following his exit, snap elections were called.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-far-right-leader-girogia-meloni-calls-for-unity-after-election-win-519640">Italy's far-right leader Girogia Meloni calls for unity after election win</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Meloni's&nbsp;Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is a descendant of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), which was founded by Giorgio Almirante, a minister during Benito Mussolini's rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FdI leads an alliance that's set to form a government, making the 45-year-old Meloni Italy's first female prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Meloni refused to take part in Draghi's "national unity" government, which incidentally proved beneficial for her party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Who is&nbsp;Giorgia Meloni?</strong></p>

<p>Meloni was&nbsp;born in Garbatella—a working-class area of Rome. She was president of the youth wing of the National Alliance, a party that emerged from MSI. She also served as a youth minister in Berlusconi's 2008-2011 government before founding the Brothers of Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local media reports, Meloni has hardline views on mass immigration, is completely against abortion, which she has described as a “defeat”, and opposes same-sex marriage and parenting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June, she travelled to Marbella to deliver a controversial speech at a rally held by her&nbsp;Spanish far-right counterpart, Vox. "Yes to the natural family! No to LGBT lobbies!" she reportedly yelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She has also been speaking of amending Italy's constitution to prioritise Italian law over European law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni is known to hold ambitions to create history in Italian politics as the first woman to hold the top job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting," she was quoted as saying. "Let’s give hope and strength back to Italy."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation.

The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation. Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came top in general elections on Sunday (September 25), according to the first exit polls. The party won between 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote, according to national broadcaster RAI. A right-wing coalition with her allies, Matteo Salvini's far-right League and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, was expected to win a clear majority in both houses of parliament. On July 21, Mario Draghi announced his resignation after a populist party in his coalition government refused to back an economic package for businesses and families. Following his exit, snap elections were called. ALSO READ | Italy's far-right leader Girogia Meloni calls for unity after election win Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is a descendant of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), which was founded by Giorgio Almirante, a minister during Benito Mussolini's rule. The FdI leads an alliance that's set to form a government, making the 45-year-old Meloni Italy's first female prime minister. Last year, Meloni refused to take part in Draghi's "national unity" government, which incidentally proved beneficial for her party. Watch this report: × Who is Giorgia Meloni? Meloni was born in Garbatella—a working-class area of Rome. She was president of the youth wing of the National Alliance, a party that emerged from MSI. She also served as a youth minister in Berlusconi's 2008-2011 government before founding the Brothers of Italy. According to local media reports, Meloni has hardline views on mass immigration, is completely against abortion, which she has described as a “defeat”, and opposes same-sex marriage and parenting. In June, she travelled to Marbella to deliver a controversial speech at a rally held by her Spanish far-right counterpart, Vox. "Yes to the natural family! No to LGBT lobbies!" she reportedly yelled. She has also been speaking of amending Italy's constitution to prioritise Italian law over European law. Meloni is known to hold ambitions to create history in Italian politics as the first woman to hold the top job. "The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting," she was quoted as saying. "Let’s give hope and strength back to Italy." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing leader set to become Italy's first female prime minister?

<p>The Italian president swore in the former chief of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, as prime minister on Saturday at the head of a unity government called on to confront the coronavirus crisis and economic slump.</p>

<p>All but one of Italy`s major parties have rallied to his side and his cabinet includes lawmakers from across the political spectrum, as well as technocrats in key posts, including the finance ministry and a new green transition portfolio.</p>

<p>Much now rests on Draghi`s shoulders.</p>

<p>He is tasked with plotting Italy`s recovery from the pandemic and must immediately set to work on plans for how to spend more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) in European Union funds aimed at rebuilding the recession-bound economy.</p>

<p>If he prevails, Draghi will likely bolster the entire eurozone, which has long fretted over Italy`s perenial problems.</p>

<p>Success would also prove to Italy`s sceptical northern allies that by offering funds to the poorer south, they will fortify the entire bloc.</p>

<p>But he faces enormous challenges. Italy is mired in its worst downturn since World War Two, hundreds of people are still dying of COVID-19 each day, the vaccination campaign is going slowly and he only has limited time to sort things out.</p>

<p>Italy is due to return to the polls in two years time, but it is far from certain that Draghi will be able to survive that long at the head of a coalition that includes parties with radically opposing views on issues such as immigration, justice, infrastructure development and welfare.</p>

<p>Highlighting Italy`s political instability, Draghi`s government is the 67th to take office since 1946 and the seventh in the last decade alone.</p>


The Italian president swore in the former chief of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, as prime minister on Saturday at the head of a unity government called on to confront the coronavirus crisis and economic slump.

The Italian president swore in the former chief of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, as prime minister on Saturday at the head of a unity government called on to confront the coronavirus crisis and economic slump. All but one of Italy`s major parties have rallied to his side and his cabinet includes lawmakers from across the political spectrum, as well as technocrats in key posts, including the finance ministry and a new green transition portfolio. Much now rests on Draghi`s shoulders. He is tasked with plotting Italy`s recovery from the pandemic and must immediately set to work on plans for how to spend more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) in European Union funds aimed at rebuilding the recession-bound economy. If he prevails, Draghi will likely bolster the entire eurozone, which has long fretted over Italy`s perenial problems. Success would also prove to Italy`s sceptical northern allies that by offering funds to the poorer south, they will fortify the entire bloc. But he faces enormous challenges. Italy is mired in its worst downturn since World War Two, hundreds of people are still dying of COVID-19 each day, the vaccination campaign is going slowly and he only has limited time to sort things out. Italy is due to return to the polls in two years time, but it is far from certain that Draghi will be able to survive that long at the head of a coalition that includes parties with radically opposing views on issues such as immigration, justice, infrastructure development and welfare. Highlighting Italy`s political instability, Draghi`s government is the 67th to take office since 1946 and the seventh in the last decade alone.

Italy's Draghi sworn in as prime minister of unity government

<p>Italians head to the polls Sunday -- to the alarm of coronavirus experts -- for a referendum and regional elections that could weaken the government and radically reshape the political landscape.</p>

<p>Just a week after a Herculean effort by schools to reopen in line with last-minute Covid-19 rules, classrooms across the country will be shut to pupils and transformed into ballot stations for the two-day vote.</p>

<p>A triumph for the far-right in this fiercely fought campaign would sound alarm bells in Brussels.</p>

<p>It will be the first test for Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's centre-left coalition government since it imposed an economically crippling nationwide lockdown to fight the virus, which has killed almost 36,000 people.</p>

<p>The referendum, on slashing the number of members of parliament -- from 630 to 400 in the lower house, and 315 to 200 in the upper house -- is expected to pass, though there has been a late uptick in the number of prominent 'no' declarations.</p>

<p>The cost-cutting reform is the brainchild of the co-governing Five Star Movement (M5S), but while its centre-left coalition Democratic Party (PD) partner and parties on the right are theoretically in favour, their support has been lacklustre at best.</p>

<p><strong>Uncertain future</strong></p>

<p>The regional battle is for governance of Campania, Liguria, Marche, Puglia, Tuscany, Valle d'Aosta and Veneto.</p>

<p>The right-wing coalition is set to easily retake Veneto and Liguria, and it could also snatch Marche and Puglia from the left.</p>

<p>But all eyes will be on Tuscany, a historic left-wing stronghold that might fall to Matteo Salvini's far-right League.</p>

<p>"If the left performs particularly poorly... Brussels will grow concerned," Berenberg economist Florian Hense told AFP.</p>

<p>It will worry whether the national recovery plan Italy has to present to obtain grants or loans to aid its ailing economy after the coronavirus lockdown "will be ambitious enough, given the limited political capital of the coalition in Rome," he said.</p>

<p>"And whether, whatever plan Italy comes up with, it will actually implement it given the uncertain future of the current coalition".</p>

<p><strong>Concern over virus</strong></p>

<p>The poll is going ahead despite warnings against opening polling stations while Covid-19 case numbers are on the rise.</p>

<p>While Italy currently has fewer new cases than Britain, France or Spain, it is still recording more than 1,500 daily.</p>

<p>"The country is in a state of emergency; it is utterly contradictory to be massing people together at polling stations, particularly in light of the trend in Europe," Professor Massimo Galli, infectious diseases chief at Milan's Sacco hospital, told AFP.</p>

<p>He said previously that holding the elections now would be "madness".</p>

<p>Some precautions have been taken however, with elderly and pregnant voters getting fast-track lanes to vote.</p>

<p>With older people potentially put off voting by the health risks, the left has been organising special transport.</p>

<p>One in three of voters for the PD and League are over 65-years old, according to Italy's Corriere della Sera daily.</p>

<p>Nearly 2,000 voters in isolation due to the coronavirus have also registered to have their votes collected, including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.</p>

<p>But fear of catching the virus from voters obliged to pull down their masks to allow them to be identified has seen a flurry of last-minute desertions by polling station volunteers.</p>

<p>Milan was forced Saturday to call urgently for 100 fresh pairs of hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Conte has clinched a behind-doors deal with PD leader Nicola Zingaretti to fight to save each other's political skins should the left should perform disastrously, according to the Repubblica daily.</p>

<p>That might not be enough.</p>

<p>"These elections are not going to topple the government," Political commentator Barbara Fiammeri for Italy's Sole 24 Ore daily told AFP.</p>

<p>"But there could well be a crisis, whether it be Conte's fall, the forming of new coalition, or even a national unity government".</p>


Italians head to the polls Sunday -- to the alarm of coronavirus experts -- for a referendum and regional elections that could weaken the government and radically reshape the political landscape.

Italians head to the polls Sunday -- to the alarm of coronavirus experts -- for a referendum and regional elections that could weaken the government and radically reshape the political landscape. Just a week after a Herculean effort by schools to reopen in line with last-minute Covid-19 rules, classrooms across the country will be shut to pupils and transformed into ballot stations for the two-day vote. A triumph for the far-right in this fiercely fought campaign would sound alarm bells in Brussels. It will be the first test for Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's centre-left coalition government since it imposed an economically crippling nationwide lockdown to fight the virus, which has killed almost 36,000 people. The referendum, on slashing the number of members of parliament -- from 630 to 400 in the lower house, and 315 to 200 in the upper house -- is expected to pass, though there has been a late uptick in the number of prominent 'no' declarations. The cost-cutting reform is the brainchild of the co-governing Five Star Movement (M5S), but while its centre-left coalition Democratic Party (PD) partner and parties on the right are theoretically in favour, their support has been lacklustre at best. Uncertain future The regional battle is for governance of Campania, Liguria, Marche, Puglia, Tuscany, Valle d'Aosta and Veneto. The right-wing coalition is set to easily retake Veneto and Liguria, and it could also snatch Marche and Puglia from the left. But all eyes will be on Tuscany, a historic left-wing stronghold that might fall to Matteo Salvini's far-right League. "If the left performs particularly poorly... Brussels will grow concerned," Berenberg economist Florian Hense told AFP. It will worry whether the national recovery plan Italy has to present to obtain grants or loans to aid its ailing economy after the coronavirus lockdown "will be ambitious enough, given the limited political capital of the coalition in Rome," he said. "And whether, whatever plan Italy comes up with, it will actually implement it given the uncertain future of the current coalition". Concern over virus The poll is going ahead despite warnings against opening polling stations while Covid-19 case numbers are on the rise. While Italy currently has fewer new cases than Britain, France or Spain, it is still recording more than 1,500 daily. "The country is in a state of emergency; it is utterly contradictory to be massing people together at polling stations, particularly in light of the trend in Europe," Professor Massimo Galli, infectious diseases chief at Milan's Sacco hospital, told AFP. He said previously that holding the elections now would be "madness". Some precautions have been taken however, with elderly and pregnant voters getting fast-track lanes to vote. With older people potentially put off voting by the health risks, the left has been organising special transport. One in three of voters for the PD and League are over 65-years old, according to Italy's Corriere della Sera daily. Nearly 2,000 voters in isolation due to the coronavirus have also registered to have their votes collected, including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. But fear of catching the virus from voters obliged to pull down their masks to allow them to be identified has seen a flurry of last-minute desertions by polling station volunteers. Milan was forced Saturday to call urgently for 100 fresh pairs of hands. Prime Minister Conte has clinched a behind-doors deal with PD leader Nicola Zingaretti to fight to save each other's political skins should the left should perform disastrously, according to the Repubblica daily. That might not be enough. "These elections are not going to topple the government," Political commentator Barbara Fiammeri for Italy's Sole 24 Ore daily told AFP. "But there could well be a crisis, whether it be Conte's fall, the forming of new coalition, or even a national unity government".

Italy defies virus for vote as far-right plots seismic change

<p>Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation on Monday, hours after it was confirmed he had suffered a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform.</p>

<p>&quot;My experience of government finishes here,&quot; Renzi told a press conference, acknowledging that the No campaign had won an &quot;extraordinarily clear&quot; victory in a vote on which he had staked his future.</p>

<p>Interior Ministry projections suggested the No camp, led by the populist Five Star Movement, had carried the vote by a margin of almost 60-40 with a near 70 per cent turnout underlining the high stakes and the intensity of the debate.</p>

<p>Markets seemed to take Renzi&#39;s departure in their stride. Stocks and the Euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in.</p>

<p>Renzi said he would be visiting President Sergio Mattarella on Monday to hand in his resignation following a final meeting of his cabinet.</p>

<p>Mattarella will then be charged with brokering the appointment of a new government or, if he can&#39;t do that, ordering early elections.</p>

<p>Five Star founder and leader Beppe Grillo called for an election to be called &quot;within a week&quot; on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has a parliamentary majority - a position Five Star could well find themselves in at the next election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Democracy was the winner,&quot; Grillo wrote in a post-vote blog that marked a significant change in the party&#39;s position on the electoral law. Prior to the referendum, Five Star had been arguing for it to be revised.</p>

<p>Most analysts see early elections as unlikely with the most probable scenario involving Renzi&#39;s administration being replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until an election due to take place by the spring of 2018.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan is the favourite to succeed Renzi as prime minister and the outgoing leader may stay on as head of his party -- which would leave him well-placed for a potential comeback to frontline politics at the next election, whenever it is.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Unequivocal&#39; defeat</strong></p>

<p>On the day Austria&#39;s voters rejected a far-right candidate for president, the scale of the No victory in Italy was even bigger than opinion polls had been indicating up until November 18, after which the media were banned from publishing survey results.</p>

<p>Renzi had gone into the final weekend of the campaign insisting he could still win voters around but he acknowledged he had failed. &quot;The Italian people spoke today in unequivocal fashion,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Opposition parties had denounced the proposed amendments to the 68-year-old constitution as dangerous for democracy because they would have removed important checks and balances on executive power.</p>

<p>Spearheaded by Five Star, the biggest rival to Renzi&#39;s Democratic party, the &quot;No&quot; campaign also capitalised on Renzi&#39;s declining popularity, a sluggish economy and the problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving in Italy from Africa.</p>

<p>Renzi&#39;s backers believed they were voting for overdue change.</p>

<p>Outside a polling station in Rome, business owner Raffaele Pasquini, 37, told AFP he had voted &quot;Yes&quot; in the interest of his two-year-old son.</p>

<p>&quot;We are voting to try and change a country that has been stalled for far too long,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump&#39;s victory in the US presidential election, the &quot;No&quot; vote is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to the government for Grillo&#39;s Five Star.</p>

<p>But the campaign was not just about popular discontent with the state of Italy. Many Italians of a similar political bent to Renzi had deep reservations about the proposed changes to the constitution.</p>

<p>Under the proposals, the second chamber Senate, currently, a body of 315 directly-elected and five-lifetime lawmakers, would have been reduced to only 100 members, mostly nominated by the regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chamber would also have been stripped of most of its powers to block and revise legislation&nbsp;and to unseat governments.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


Interior Ministry projections suggested the 'No' camp, led by the populist Five Star Movement, had won the referendum 59.5 per cent votes

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation on Monday, hours after it was confirmed he had suffered a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform. "My experience of government finishes here," Renzi told a press conference, acknowledging that the No campaign had won an "extraordinarily clear" victory in a vote on which he had staked his future. Interior Ministry projections suggested the No camp, led by the populist Five Star Movement, had carried the vote by a margin of almost 60-40 with a near 70 per cent turnout underlining the high stakes and the intensity of the debate. Markets seemed to take Renzi's departure in their stride. Stocks and the Euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in. Renzi said he would be visiting President Sergio Mattarella on Monday to hand in his resignation following a final meeting of his cabinet. Mattarella will then be charged with brokering the appointment of a new government or, if he can't do that, ordering early elections. Five Star founder and leader Beppe Grillo called for an election to be called "within a week" on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has a parliamentary majority - a position Five Star could well find themselves in at the next election. "Democracy was the winner," Grillo wrote in a post-vote blog that marked a significant change in the party's position on the electoral law. Prior to the referendum, Five Star had been arguing for it to be revised. Most analysts see early elections as unlikely with the most probable scenario involving Renzi's administration being replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until an election due to take place by the spring of 2018. Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan is the favourite to succeed Renzi as prime minister and the outgoing leader may stay on as head of his party -- which would leave him well-placed for a potential comeback to frontline politics at the next election, whenever it is. 'Unequivocal' defeat On the day Austria's voters rejected a far-right candidate for president, the scale of the No victory in Italy was even bigger than opinion polls had been indicating up until November 18, after which the media were banned from publishing survey results. Renzi had gone into the final weekend of the campaign insisting he could still win voters around but he acknowledged he had failed. "The Italian people spoke today in unequivocal fashion," he said. Opposition parties had denounced the proposed amendments to the 68-year-old constitution as dangerous for democracy because they would have removed important checks and balances on executive power. Spearheaded by Five Star, the biggest rival to Renzi's Democratic party, the "No" campaign also capitalised on Renzi's declining popularity, a sluggish economy and the problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving in Italy from Africa. Renzi's backers believed they were voting for overdue change. Outside a polling station in Rome, business owner Raffaele Pasquini, 37, told AFP he had voted "Yes" in the interest of his two-year-old son. "We are voting to try and change a country that has been stalled for far too long," he said. After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the "No" vote is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to the government for Grillo's Five Star. But the campaign was not just about popular discontent with the state of Italy. Many Italians of a similar political bent to Renzi had deep reservations about the proposed changes to the constitution. Under the proposals, the second chamber Senate, currently, a body of 315 directly-elected and five-lifetime lawmakers, would have been reduced to only 100 members, mostly nominated by the regions. The chamber would also have been stripped of most of its powers to block and revise legislation and to unseat governments. (AFP)

Italian Prime Minister Renzi announces resignation after referendum defeat