(ANSA) - Rome, October 7 - A December 4 referendum on the government's constitutional reform law "is about the future of the country, not about mine," Premier Matteo Renzi said Friday.
Renzi added ex-premier and fellow Democratic Party (PD) member Massimo D'Alema "is using the referendum to get back in the game... (while) the government is enacting reforms that were postponed for 20-30 years". Renzi made his comments on RAI public broadcaster's Radio Anch'io program, where D'Alema - an outspoken critic of Renzi and his reforms - was interviewed last night. The government is campaigning for a 'Yes' vote, the opposition - including dissenters from within Renzi's own party - are campaigning for a 'No' vote on the referendum's single question. Also on Friday, Renzi went on to say that "some conservatives as well as supporters of (anti-establishment 5-Star Movement leader Beppe) Grillo will vote 'Yes'. Those who want fewer costs will be called on to answer a simple question.
We can debate whether we'll save 50 or 500 million - I spent an entire broadcast proving it will be 500 million, calculator in hand - but no one is suggesting there won't be a reduction in the cost (of government)". Renzi's reform would, among other measures, slash the Senate from 300 to 100 members, abolish the National Council on Economy and Labour (CNEL) - which has 64 councillors plus a president - and complete the elimination of Italy's 110 provinces on the premise they are redundant and expensive. "This is not a derby between Renzi and the rest of the world, but one between Italy and the old guard," the premier said.
Renzi added ex-premier and fellow Democratic Party (PD) member Massimo D'Alema "is using the referendum to get back in the game... (while) the government is enacting reforms that were postponed for 20-30 years". Renzi made his comments on RAI public broadcaster's Radio Anch'io program, where D'Alema - an outspoken critic of Renzi and his reforms - was interviewed last night. The government is campaigning for a 'Yes' vote, the opposition - including dissenters from within Renzi's own party - are campaigning for a 'No' vote on the referendum's single question. Also on Friday, Renzi went on to say that "some conservatives as well as supporters of (anti-establishment 5-Star Movement leader Beppe) Grillo will vote 'Yes'. Those who want fewer costs will be called on to answer a simple question.
We can debate whether we'll save 50 or 500 million - I spent an entire broadcast proving it will be 500 million, calculator in hand - but no one is suggesting there won't be a reduction in the cost (of government)". Renzi's reform would, among other measures, slash the Senate from 300 to 100 members, abolish the National Council on Economy and Labour (CNEL) - which has 64 councillors plus a president - and complete the elimination of Italy's 110 provinces on the premise they are redundant and expensive. "This is not a derby between Renzi and the rest of the world, but one between Italy and the old guard," the premier said.
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