- 00h30 Rome Time: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has resigned after suffering a heavy defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution.In a late-night statement, he said he took responsibility for the outcome. He said the No camp must now make clear proposals.
Following defeat in referendum on constitutional reform, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigns https://t.co/opMkOxCwfD From @eregulypic.twitter.com/oaEo8EYxon
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) 4 décembre 2016
Video:
- 11h:17
Italian referendum: Exit polls show that voters have overwhelmingly rejected constitutional reform proposals on which Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has staked his political future:
Italy, constitutional referendum, EMG exit poll:
Yes: 43%
No: 57%#referendumcostituzionale#referendum#matitecancellabilipic.twitter.com/hSOI5cyulY— Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) 4 décembre 2016
Update: 19h*Austrian state broadcaster: exit polls suggest win for Van der Bellen ( Green Party-The Guardian):
- The Guardian reports that early exit polls indicate Austria has voted in Green-backed candidate Alexander Van der Bellen as its next president, handing a painful defeat to rightwing populist Norbert Hofer.The defeat of far-right candidate Norbert Hofer to the liberal, left-of-centre Alexander Van der Bellen in Austria’s presidential electionsmarks a setback for the Eurosceptic, anti-establishment cause in Europe.
-
Analysis:
With Brexit and the U.S. presidential election, 2016 has already contributed its share of major political upsets. Yet another upset may be in the making. The Italian referendum taking place today in Italy on constitutional reform and the second chance of Norbert Hofer of the anti-immigration Freedom Party (FPO) to become the first far-right president in Austria could both possibly have disastrous consequences for Europe and the world.
Continue reading Italy’s “perfect storm” as the gates of Europe are under siege from populism.
Observer of the Near East 