- Title: ITALY: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi risks new setback in four referendums
- Date: 14th June 2011
- Summary: NEWSPAPER HEADLINES HEADLINE READING: 'Referendum - record voters, quorum close', 'Yes - we are a step away.'. 'Referendum, high numbers' and 'Voter boom and nearly quorum.' NEWSPAPER HEADLINES
- Embargoed: 29th June 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Italy, Italy
- Country: Italy
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA6UQQE83SP3SKXMPUPXR4WFB5B
- Story Text: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi risked another setback on Monday (June 13) at the end of two days of voting on four referendums.
The centre-left opposition campaigned hard to get voters out to cast ballots on the questions, which concern nuclear energy, the privatisation of water utilities, and whether government ministers can be exempt from attending trials against them.
A central issue is whether enough voters turn out to ensure the necessary quorum of 50 percent plus one vote.
The opposition was heartened by the high turnout during the first day of voting, which hit more than 41 percent, high by Italian standards of voting in referendums.
A quorum, which seemed increasingly likely after the first day's turnout, would be a setback to Berlusconi because he has said he would not vote and some of his ministers have urged voters to boycott.
Newspaper headlines all ran with frontpages heralding a quorum achievement.
'Referendum - record voters, quorum close', ran one headline, 'Yes - we are a step away' ran another.
If voters repeal existing laws by voting yes, the result will likely have repercussions on Berlusconi's fractious centre-right coalition.
For some, the ballots are a vote on the prime minister himself, who is facing a sex scandal and three fraud trials.
"Well the government will remain but hopefully they will try and change something in order to placate the people," said pensioner Giuseppe Filippi after voting.
"I am sure the quorum will be reached because I believe everyone has realised how important this is and if we are all united we can actually change something," said Rome resident Marina Bellotti.
Most commentators predicted that if the quorum is reached, the "yes" votes to repeal the Berlusconi-era laws will likely succeed, because many in favour of not changing the laws merely abstained from the referendums.
"The most important issue is on nuclear power, Italians do not want this, also important for us is the legitimate impediment and then water," said businessman Stefano Lippi.
The polls close on Monday at 1300 GMT and results should be out by late afternoon. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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