Millions of people in Lombardy and Veneto, both run by the once openly secessionist Lega Nord party, voted more than 90 per cent for “yes” in Sunday’s referendum calling to negotiate a better financial arrangement with Rome, the latest projections showed an hour after polls closed last night.
Their ambition mirrors Catalonia’s goal to claw back taxes from Madrid, however unlike the Spanish region’s referendum on October 1, the Italian votes were held in line with the constitution, but are not binding on Rome.
Lombardy, home to financial hub Milan, accounts for about 20 per cent of Italy’s economy, which is in turn the eurozone’s third largest.
Veneto, which includes the tourist magnet Venice, accounts for 10 per cent.
Lombardy President Roberto Maroni said preliminary turnout was 40 per cent while in Veneto, it reached 57 per cent.
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Mr Maroni, said: “We can now write a new page: The regions that ask for more power will get it.
“I am talking for example about the power to discuss about tax proceeds that normally go to Rome.
“This is the first step in a path towards big reforms.”
In both Lombardy and Veneto, many complain their taxes are wasted by the central government, accusing Rome of delivering low-quality public services and diverting money to the poor south.
Massimo Piscetta, 49, who voted just outside Milan, said: “Lombardy and Veneto have two efficient administrations and public services work well, much better than in other Italian regions.
“This is why I think it is worth asking for greater autonomy.”
The two regions’ ruling Lega Nord party was established in the 1990s to campaign for an independent state of “Padania”, stretching across Italy’s north, from around Lombardy in the west to Venice in the east.
It no longer campaigns for secession and its top leadership is trying to broaden its appeal beyond the north ahead of national elections expected early next year – a goal which could be undermined if the referendums rekindle north-south tensions.
Lega’s political opponents say the votes were a waste of time and money, given the constitution allows regions to enter into negotiations at any time with Rome to take on more functions from the centre.
Political experts say neither region is likely to succeed in wresting much money away from the central government without causing problems for regions in Italy’s poor south.
Giovanni Orsina, history professor at Rome’s Luiss-Guido Carli University, said before the referendums a strong “yes” vote could deepen the old north-south divide which dates back to before Italian unification in the 19th century.
He said: “Once you open up the issue of what the northern regions pay, then I expect a backlash in southern Italy.”