Referendums in Italy to test Berlusconi's popularity

Italians vote on Sunday on key referendums on nuclear power, water privatisation and a law giving Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immunity from prosecution. If turnout is higher than 50 per cent, a vote against nuclear power will scrap the government’s plans to restart Italy’s atomic energy programme by 2014.

Reuters/Stephane Mahe

Italy abandoned atomic energy with a referendum in 1987 after the Chernobyl crisis, but Berlusconi has made its re-introduction a major policy goal. He argues that nuclear power will cut electricity bills, reduce Italy’s energy dependency and be better for the environment.

Opinion polls ahead of Sunday’s vote show turnout could be around 50 per cent but a quorum – 50 per cent plus one vote - has never been reached since 1995.

The nuclear referendum has received the most attention in the run-up to the vote in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan and Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power by 2022.

But the issue of privatising Italy’s water supplies is also controversial. The government says privatisation is essential to finance better services. But opponents say it would just lead to higher prices.

A strong vote against Berlusconi would fuel signs of growing discontent with his premiership seen in local elections earlier this month in which his ruling People of Freedom Party lost key mayoral contests in Milan and Naples.

Referendum supporters have stepped up a ‘get out and vote’ campaign in recent weeks with a series of rallies as well as some more unusual initiatives.

Beach resorts in the region around the southern city of Naples are offering rental of two deck-chairs for the price of one for people who have voted.

Voters are also being offered discounts in bars and restaurants across Italy, as well as free assages, yoga classes and even concert tickets