☰

M. Continuo

Italy's Renzi says his political future hinges on 2016 referendum


    ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Tuesday he would consider his political career "to have failed" if he loses a referendum on constitutional reform next year.

    Renzi has attached considerable political capital to a bill which he says will make the country more governable.

    It will reduce the number of senators by two-thirds and strip the Senate of its ability to bring down a government and sharply limit its scope to block legislation.

    Because it involves a change in the constitution, the bill, which is currently going through parliament, will have to be put to a referendum. It is expected to be held in October.

    (Reporting By Philip Pullella)