Voters in the wealthy northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto are heading to the polls to decide if they want to seek greater autonomy from Rome, riding a tide of self-determination that is sweeping global politics. (Luca Bruno/Associated Press)MILAN — Voters in the wealthy northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto were deciding Sunday if they want to seek greater autonomy from Rome, riding a tide of self-determination that is sweeping global politics. Even though the referendums — which were approved by Italy’s constitutional court — don’t seek independence, the autonomy drive is a powerful threat to Rome’s authority. Veneto was twice denied by the constitutional court requests for referendums for fiscal autonomy before a 2001 constitutional change defined the policy areas for which Italy’s 15 ordinary regions can seek autonomy. Emilia Romagna, a center-left region, has recently opened talks with Rome on greater autonomy without holding a popular vote.

Source: Washington Post October 22, 2017 05:03 UTC