President Sergio Mattarella
stressed Wednesday that sovereignty belongs to the people amid
controversy about the United States ambassador to Rome saying a
No vote in the referendum on the government's institutional
overhaul would be a step back for investments in Italy.
"Every event in an important country, and Italy is an
important country, attracts attention abroad," the president
said when asked about the row.
"Naturally this does not change the fact that sovereignty
derives from the voters".
Opponents to the reform accused U.S. Ambassador John
Phillips of meddling in Italy's domestic affairs with comments
he made on Tuesday.
Phillips said that, while "the referendum is an Italian
decision", the country must also "guarantee political
stability".
The reform amends the Italian Constitution and, among
other things, turns the Senate into a leaner assembly of local
government representatives with limited powers.
It is aimed at saving money and making it easier to pass
legislation.
Premier Matteo Renzi has said he will quit if he loses the
referendum later this year.
Almost all of Italy's opposition groups are campaigning
for a No vote.
Mattarella added that it was necessary for the Italian
public and politicians to approach the referendum with
"serenity... as with any democratic step".
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