High Referendum Turnout Proves Solid Basis of Italy's Democracy - President

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that high voter turnout which had been registered at Italian constitutional referendum, is an indication of a strong democracy, a passionate country, capable of active participation of citizens.

ROME (Sputnik) — High turnout at Italy's constitutional referendum that reached 65.47 percent shows that the country has a stable democracy, while its nationals are active citizens involved in policy-making, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Monday.

"High voter turnout which had been registered at yesterday's referendum, is an indication of a strong democracy, a passionate country, capable of active participation [of citizens]," Mattarella said as quoted in a statement released by Quirinal Palace.

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 Italian Prime Minister Matteo 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.