Italy's Rich Lombardy, Veneto Regions Hold Autonomy Votes
- Non-binding referendums seek more powers from Rome government
- Outcome could boost anti-migrant Northern League in 2018 vote
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Voters in two regions of Italy’s wealthy north take part in referendums Sunday to demand more autonomy from the state, in a ballot which could strengthen the anti-migrant Northern League ahead of national elections early next year.
Backers of the non-binding referendums in Lombardy and Veneto, whose regional capitals are Milan and Venice, insist they have little in common with the recent Catalan independence vote in Spain which was marked by violent clashes and protests. The Italian ballots echo separatist and autonomy movements in Scotland and France among others.