The Lombardy and Veneto regions in northern Italy will hold a referendum on October 22nd to seek greater autonomy from Rome.
The announcement was made this Friday (21) by the Lombard governor, Roberto Maroni, who belongs to the far-right Northern League party, as well as Luca Zaia, who commands Veneto.
The two wanted to coincide the popular consultation with the first round of municipal elections, on June 11, but did not receive a response from the national government.
“I believe that no Lombard can vote 'no' in a plebiscite that says: do you want a relevant part of the 53 billion euros in Lombard taxes to remain here, to help those in need, to build hospitals?”, declared Maroni.
Neighboring Lombardy and Veneto are among the richest and most developed regions in Italy, and their governors have been trying for years to ensure that a greater portion of the taxes paid by their inhabitants are reverted to local issues.
In short, the plebiscite will not have a separatist character, but rather the objective of expanding the fiscal autonomy of the two regions. “If the 'yes' vote wins, either the government gives us autonomy or it will lose the support of two of the most important regions in the north,” added the governor of Lombardy.
Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, who belongs to the center-left Democratic Party (PD) of Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, said he will advise citizens to vote "positively." "This is not an issue that belongs to the League, but to everyone," he declared. However, Sala believes the referendum will be "absolutely useless," since Rome has already shown "clear signs of openness."
Representing the government, the Minister of Agricultural Policies of Italy, Maurizio Martina, a possible opponent of Maroni in the next elections in Lombardy, said that the two regions should ask Gentiloni for the creation of a negotiating table to “save 46 million euros”, which is the estimated cost of voting.
The popular consultation will also be the first in Italy carried out through electronic voting.
By Istoé/Ansa
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