Italy President asks PM Renzi to delay resignation for budgetDecember 6, 2016 - 11:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi formally resigned after a crushing referendum defeat that has sent shockwaves around Europe -- though his departure will be delayed by a final task, passing a budget, AFP reports. Renzi handed his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella after Italians resoundingly rejected his constitutional reform proposals in Sunday, December 4's referendum, to the delight of the country's populist leaders, fresh after Brexit and Donald Trump's US victory. The departure of the centre-left premier -- who had staked his future on the outcome of the vote -- plunges Italy into political uncertainty and casts a shadow over the future of the eurozone's third-largest economy. In an apparent bid to ease investor fears, the presidency said in a statement that Mattarella had "asked the prime minister to postpone his resignation" until the 2017 budget has been passed, a move expected by the end of the week, according to Italian media. The government has already won a vote of confidence on the budget in the lower house of parliament. Renzi, who in 2014 became Italy's youngest-ever premier, was left with no option but to quit after his proposals to streamline parliament were rejected by voters by a decisive 59-41 percent margin. The 41-year-old former mayor of Florence, who came to power promising radical reform, defended his record. "1,000 difficult but wonderful days. Thanks to everyone. Viva l'Italia," he wrote on Facebook. Italian media said he told his cabinet he had agreed to see the budget passed before his departure "out of a sense of responsibility." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |