Italians will go to the polls on December 4 to vote on constitutional reforms proposed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government, including cutting the Senate's powers.
The popular vote aims to introduce a constitutional change that will give the lower and the upper house of the Italian parliament equal powers. Renzi advocates for the 'yes' vote.
Speaking to Sputnik, Roberto Panetta specifically drew attention to the fact that ordinary people are not informed about the December 4 referendum at all.
"Unfortunately, most citizens in Italy are in the dark about the purpose of the referendum, and they even don't know why Renzi's government needs it. The Prime Minister's main mistake is his desire to personalize the results of the referendum: for or against Renzi," Panetta said.
According to him, if the majority of Italians vote against the constitutional reform, it will mean the government's resignation and a new crisis in the country which is already going through tough times.
"If the Italians say 'yes', it will mean that there will be the two-chamber system in Italy and that the country's legislative system will be simplified," Panetta said.
He added that if most Italians vote against the constitutional reforms, the legislature will not change and "we can say that in this case that we will simply support the existing constitutional order."
"But I am sure this will not happen because the ‘yes’ vote will win," he added.
Renzi also said that Italy had been ruled by a "technical" government several times in the past, which only led to tax hikes. A government of technocrats is formed of experts without the backing of any political parties.
