ITALY PM FACES MAKE-OR-BREAK REFERENDUM VOTE
Italians are voting in a referendum on December 4 that may plunge the country and Europe into a phase of political uncertainty. The vote could lead to the resignation of the prime minister, Matteo Renzi, three years after he came to power
WHAT IS PROPOSED?
A series of major changes to the Italian political system, including stripping the Senate, of most of its powers and replacing 315 elected Senators
FOR OR AGAINST?
FOR: Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, most of his centre-left Democratic Party and his junior coalition partners. Most business leaders.
AGAINST: Main opposition parties and the far-right Northern League. Some constitutional experts believe the changes are essentially a power grab
WILL IT CARRY?
Uncertain. Most polls show Renzi is behind, but with many voters undecided
WHY IS RENZI AT THE CENTRE OF IT?
For most people, the referendum is a plebiscite on the prime minister: whether he has done a good job or not. Renzi enjoyed high approval ratings when he first came to power in 2014, but voters are generally frustrated with him for a bunch of reasons, including high unemployment and concerns about the migration crisis.
IF YES WINS?
Renzi stays in power, his authority is enhanced and he can pursue plans for reforms
IF NO WINS?
Renzi has said he will step aside. Most observers expect his party to form new government without him