Italian referendum on constitutional reform: what does the ‘no’ vote mean for Italy and Europe

In a referendum on Sunday, Italians rejected constitutional electoral reform proposed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. As with other recent global referendums, the question put to voters encompassed much more than the proposed changes. The official debate focused on whether the reforms would facilitate a more efficient democratic process, as proponents claimed, or allow the concentration of too much power in the hands of the government and the leading political party. The poll also became a vote on the premiership of Renzi, who had promised to resign if his proposal was rejected, and confirmed his intention to do so as soon as the results were announced.