5 December 2016, 12:20 GMT
BERLIN (Sputnik) – German Chancellor Angela regrets the resignation announced by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi following people’s decision not to accept a government’s reform proposed by him, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
Seibert said that Merkel and Renzi had positive cooperation and mutual trust adding that she supported the reforms proposed by Renzi.
“But, of course, democratic decisions made by Italian citizens as well as the decision of the prime minister to announce his resignation following the referendum must be respected,” Seibert said.
He also pointed out that Germany wanted to develop friendly relations and cooperation with any new Italian government.
On Sunday, Italians voted on whether the national constitution should be amended to curtail Senate powers in order to speed up the lawmaking process.
According to the country's Interior Ministry, 59.11 percent of voters opposed Renzi's proposals, while the reforms were supported by 40.89 percent. Earlier on Monday, the prime minister vowed to resign after Italians voted against the reform at the referendum.
