Economics
Italy's Lombardy, Veneto Regions Claim Autonomy Wins
- Over 57% of voters in Veneto cast ballots, 38% in Lombardy
- Vote strengthens Northern League ahead of general elections
A polling station official prepares ballots papers to vote for a referendum in Venice on Oct. 22.
Photographer: Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Leaders of two regions in Italy’s wealthy north claimed victory in referendums Sunday to demand more autonomy from the state, in a ballot that could strengthen the anti-immigrant Northern League party ahead of national elections early next year.
Final vote counts showed that 95 percent of those who cast ballots in Lombardy and 98 percent in Veneto supported greater autonomy. Over 57 percent of voters in Veneto went to the polls while turnout in Lombardy was 38 percent, according to regional electoral authorities.