Italian regional polls test Renzi's popularity
AFP - [email protected]
Published: 24 Nov, 2014 CET.
Updated: Mon 24 Nov 2014 08:14 CET
Two Italian regions voted on Sunday in elections seen as a test of popularity for youthful centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
Some 5.4 million people are eligible to vote in the polls in Emilia-Romagna, a wealthy central region, and southern Calabria, Italy's poorest.
Renzi, the 39-year-old former mayor of Florence who became prime minister last year, initially enjoyed wide praise for his dynamic, modern style, but his popularity has been eroded by the economic crisis, unemployment and social tensions.
Trade unions are up in arms over Renzi's planned reforms to the job market, which critics say will stamp on workers' rights.
Italy is teetering on the brink of a third recession in six years.
Polls closed at 2200 GMT and results will be announced on Monday.
Comments
See Also
Some 5.4 million people are eligible to vote in the polls in Emilia-Romagna, a wealthy central region, and southern Calabria, Italy's poorest.
Renzi, the 39-year-old former mayor of Florence who became prime minister last year, initially enjoyed wide praise for his dynamic, modern style, but his popularity has been eroded by the economic crisis, unemployment and social tensions.
Trade unions are up in arms over Renzi's planned reforms to the job market, which critics say will stamp on workers' rights.
Italy is teetering on the brink of a third recession in six years.
Polls closed at 2200 GMT and results will be announced on Monday.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.