Italy's national association of
partisans (ANPI) said Tuesday it will not be intimidated into
desisting from its campaign for a 'no' vote on an October
referendum on a new constitutional reform law.
ANPI's statement comes after remarks yesterday by Reform
Minister Maria Elena Boschi in which she said "real partisans"
will vote 'yes' on the referendum.
The new law amends the Constitution to transform the Senate
into a leaner body of regional officials in order to end decades
of political gridlock and save money.
In Italy, laws amending the Charter must be voted on in a
popular referendum after being ratified by parliament.
Center-left Premier Matteo Renzi has staked his political
future on a 'yes' victory in the October referendum, saying on
numerous occasions he will resign if the vote goes against his
reforms.
Partisans are members of the underground Resistance that
fought Fascism and the Nazi occupation of Italy in World War II.
Renzi yesterday defended Boschi, while trying to douse the
flames of controversy. "ANPI's position is totally legitimate,"
the premier said, adding that ANPI includes "people who took
part in the Resistance and have chosen to vote yes".
"Within ANPI some will vote yes and some will vote no. There
are real partisans who will vote yes and those who will vote no.
We respect all the partisans," the premier said.
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