Italians protest against government-proposed reforms

Protesters in Italy have staged an anti-government demonstration in the capital city of Rome to protest against proposed constitutional reforms.

According to Press TV, the demonstrators gathered at the Piazza della Repubblica and marched to the ministries of Economy and Finance.

They carried banners condemning the proposed reforms of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who hails from the center-left Democratic Party.

Other banners held by the demonstrators read, “Renzi get out,” and “People say ‘No’ to a disgusting constitutional reform.”

The demonstration organizers wrapped up the rally at the Piazza del Popolo with anti-government speeches by different speakers.

One of the speakers at the rally was the left-wing Mayor of Naples Luigi de Magistris.

“We want self-government, we want self-management, autonomy, and after December 4, a great popular movement, an international of the commons against the oligarchy,” he told the crowd.

December 4 is when a constitutional referendum will be held on the reforms designed by Renzi and his administration.

De Magistris added, “Our ‘NO’ is visible in the streets, Renzi you must go home.”

The reforms proposed by the government, if approved, would reduce the size and powers of the Senate and also take back some of the powers currently held by Italy’s 20 regional governments.

Renzi says the reforms will make the government more stable and efficient. He has threatened to resign if the reforms were voted down in the referendum.

ME