Italy's northern regions back greater autonomy

The leaders of Italy's two wealthiest northern regions have claimed victory in a non-binding referendum, seeking greater autonomy from the central government in Rome.


Voters in Lombardy and Veneto overwhelmingly backed more regional control over tax revenues, immigration and education systems on Sunday.

The turnout in Veneto was projected at around 58 percent - above its 50 percent threshold  - while just over 40 percent of the eligible voters cast their ballots in neighbouring Lombardy, where no quorum was set.

More than 95 percent voted "yes" in both regions, according to the projections.

An approval of the parliament will be now required to allow regional autonomy.

Lombardy and Veneto account for 30 percent of Italy's GDP, but many taxpayers in the north resent subsiding the relatively poor south of Italy.
  [aljazeera.com]
 23/10/17