(see related)Promoters of a failed
anti-offshore drilling referendum said Monday they saw victory
in defeat, because the fact that it was held at all has forced
the government to change tack on its energy policy.
"There have been modifications to norms proposed by the
government and approved by parliament," said the Campania
delegate for the Committee for a Yes Vote, Francesco Borrelli.
"That is not demagoguery. Petroceltic and Shell have given
up. The prospecting permits have been blocked. If that has
happened I think it is a victory".
Borrelli said in spite of the fact just 31% of voters
turned out - which means the referendum failed to muster the 50%
plus one nationwide quorum - the referendum in itself "has laid
a groove that will take Italy more and more towards renewables
and further and further away from oil".
Constitutional expert Enzo di Salvatore - who wrote the
referendum question - said the vote was a success because
without it, "we would have 27 ongoing procedures for concessions
within 12 miles (of Italy's coasts), we would have the Ombrina
Mare well in front of Abruzzo. Instead, Shell and Petroceltic
have left".
"Thirteen million citizens have said they disagree with
current energy policies," said the Calabria committee delegate,
Arturo Bova. "We will work together towards a new energy
policy".
Some leaders slammed Premier Matteo Renzi for celebrating
the fact that two-thirds of voters stayed home.
CGIL union federation leader Susanna Camusso said this is
wrong because voting legitimizes politics and the low turnout
"did not measure up to the need for participation in this
country".
Tuscany Governor Enrico Rossi from the Renzi's Democratic
Party (PD) told ANSA he was against the referendum - which was
called on request of nine Adriatic coastal regions plus
environmentalist groups - but at the same time he slammed
Renzi's attacks on regions who wanted the referendum.
"Renzi thinks he can do without the regions," Rossi said.
"I hope this attitude will change, because you can't rule the
country solely and entirely from the premier's office".
Opposition rightwing Northern League chief Matteo Salvini
said "Renzi is laughing now, but he who laughs last laughs
best".
On his popular blog, anti-establishment 5-Star Movement
(M5S) chief Beppe Grillo thanked "more than 15 million voters
who said YES to democracy and a future with clean seas,
renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism".
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