Italy’s apex court okays national referendum

Italy’s apex court okays national referendum

Italy’s highest court has given a go ahead to a national referendum that Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says will guarantee political stability and on which he has staked his future.

The Court of Cassation ruled positively on the validity of the more than 500,000 signatures needed by law for a referendum to be held.

The government, which says the changes will bring about political stability, has 60 days to choose a date.

Both houses of parliament approved the proposed reforms, which will hopes to abolish the Senate as an elected chamber in April.

The referendum is expected to be held between October and December this year.