taly's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has pledged to resign in the case of a “no” vote, making the ballot effectively a vote of confidence in his government. 

When Italians vote on a much-awaited popular referendum on Sunday, they will also be deciding the fate of Renzi’s government—and expressing the country’s appetite for change.

The ballot is ostensibly over Mr. Renzi’s proposal to overhaul Italy’s legislature, the Wall Street Journal reported.

But with his popularity waning and the economy stalled, it has become a make-or-break vote on the premier himself and his vision for a nimbler and faster-growing Italy. 

A loss would likely drive Mr. Renzi from office and usher in a period of instability amid growing support for a large populist party.

Source: MENA