What Is Quitaly?

First there was Grexit, followed by Brexit, and now there’s Quitaly. What is Quitaly? It’s Italy’s referendum that could decide if the struggling country will change its constitution.
Today’s (Sunday) Quitaly vote for constitutional reform is deemed by many as the most significant European political event of 2016.
Behind today’s vote is Italy’s floundering economy. Over the last two decades, Italy has seen virtually no growth and sky-high unemployment. Plus, Italian goods have become less and less competitive in export markets.
Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has campaigned for a ‘yes’ vote in today’s voting, which he says will make governing easier in the country.
Reforms being voted on today would remove some of the Senate’s power. That means proposed laws would only need approval from the lower house of parliament. Under the current system, both houses must approve laws.
In a bold move, Renzi is putting his political fate on the line. He has said he would leave office if the ‘yes’ vote loses.
Lobbying for ‘no’ is the populist party Five Star Movement (5SM). The 5SM’s goal is to block reforms that would streamline Italy’s public administration and leave the current checks required in place.

This post was published at Examiner on December 4, 2016.