Russian parliamentarians have hailed the referendum defeat for Italy’s government and the narrow defeat of the far-right in Austria as a triumph for “patriotic political forces” that spell the downfall of the EU.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi risked his job on Sunday’s vote to weaken regional representatives and strengthen central government, allowing Italy to push through reforms. The resounding vote against the suggestion lead to Renzi announcing his resignation, prompting pro-Kremlin politicians in Russia to candidly predict the demise of the EU. Meanwhile in Austria, Greens candidate Alexander Van der Bellen won narrowly against far-right challenger Norbert Hofer.
Leonid Slutsky, International …read more
Source: Newsweek
