Turnout for Five Referendums Low So Far

Rome: The five referendums Italy is holding regarding labour regulations and eligibility for Italian citizenship were a long way from reaching the quorum of 50% plus one ballot after the first day of voting on Sunday, when turnout was around 22%. Voting stations will remain open until 15:00 on Monday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the referendums seek to abolish a series of regulations, four regarding labour legislation, including three stemming from the 2016 Jobs Act that liberalised the labour market, and one on the rules for non-EU citizens to gain Italian citizenship. A yes to the citizenship vote will halve the number of years of residence in Italy necessary for non-EU citizens to be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 to five.

Premier Giorgia Meloni went to her voting station on Sunday but did not pick up her ballot paper, meaning she did not contribute to the votes reaching quorum. President Sergio Mattarella voted in Palermo.