Secessionism Italian Style: Two Richest Regions Vote for More Autonomy in “Battle of the Century”

Battle of the Century

The presidents of Italy’s wealthy northern regions of Veneto and Lombardy proclaim Victory for ‘Yes ‘ in referendums that seek to take powers and tax revenue from Rome.

“Veneto offers itself as a laboratory of autonomy,” said Veneto President Luca Zaia. The two regions can “unify our forces so we can do the battle of the century,” said Lombardy president, Roberto Maroni.

Both regions seek more tax revenue and more autonomy over such policy in areas including immigration, security, education and the environment. Those steps would require changes to the constitution.

Secessionism Italian Style

The Miami Herald reports Lombardy, Veneto vote for more autonomy from Italy in referendums.

The article notes Lombardy sends $81.4 billion more in taxes to Rome than it gets back in public spending. Veneto’s net contribution is $23.4 billion.

Lombardy, which includes Milan and Veneto, which houses Venice, are home to about a quarter of Italy’s population and account for 30 per cent of its overall economic output.

“Our taxes should be spent here, not in Sicily,” Giuseppe Colonna, an 84-year-old Venetian, said.

Step in Right Direction

Referendums in Spain and Italy are also just the beginning a wave that will eventually spread to other parts of Europe. They are also step in the right direction on a path to self-determination.

Now, if we can just get rid of California.

In a related post, please consider Catalonia Suffers ‘Worst Attacks’ Since Franco Dictatorship: Peaceful Resistance Coming Up.

Mike “Mish” Shedlock