Italy recently (December 4) voted against certain constitutional changes in a referendum. This is thought to have great repercussions for the Eurozone, the group of countries sharing a common currency and a central bank. Marine Le Pen, the leader of a right-wing nationalist party in France, has tweeted thus (I rely on the BBC's translation): "The Italians have disavowed the EU and Renzi. We must listen to this thirst for freedom of nations." The reference there was to Italy's prime minister, Matteo Renzi, who announced his resignation the day after the vote. So, what were the key constitutional provisions involved? First, the role of the Senate was to be reduced, making the Chamber of Deputies the supreme legislative body. Second, the role of the regions of the country in national legislation was to be eliminated. Under the existing constitutions, the nation state and the regions have "concurrent competence" in some matters.Essentially this has allow...
