Italy’s “perfect storm” as the gates of Europe are under siege from populism.

• 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.

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Euro’s policies have destroyed Greece and led to new high levels of poverty in 2016

Provision of basic goods and services, such as food and heating,  it is deprived by the 39.9% of the population living in Greece with this percentage rocketing to 44.5%  for the 0-17 year old population. Moreover, almost one in five households ( 17.7%)  live in inadequate, unsafe houses with a leaking roof with moisture in walls and floors etc.

Overall, more than 4.512 million Greeks are at risk of poverty (Population in Greece is estimated at 11 millions) with children most at risk. This situation is reflected by the fact that 230 774 children live in households with no workers and virtually no income!

These elements are included in the final report of September 2016 issued by the Greek Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) concerning the Living conditions in Greece.