Italy steps back from euro referendum threat
Currency plebiscite ‘not in the governing coalition’s contract and will not be pursued’ says deputy prime minister

Italy’s deputy prime minister and leader of the governing 5-star Movement has dismissed talk of a referendum on leaving the euro, easing fears of a hugely destabilising vote that could have ruptured the eurozone.
They had been raised by 5-Star founder Beppe Grillo, who last week said Italy should have a “plan B” to quit the eurozone if economic conditions dictated and that Italians should vote in a referendum to see if a majority wanted to quit the currency.
The new populist government “has spooked investors concerned that Italy may be headed toward an exit from the euro common currency”, says Bloomberg. Reuters reports that Grillo’s latest comments “sent ripples through financial markets”.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The former comedian-turned politician has upended decades of political consensus in Italy with his anti-establishment movement, and although he holds no official post in the coalition with the far-right League, his comments still carry huge weight with his army of supporters.
His calls for a referendum on the euro date back some years and contrast sharply with the official cabinet position set out by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has repeatedly denied the government’s desire for a plebiscite on the issue.
Renewed talk of a vote prompted the latest intervention from deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio, who said in an interview published on Sunday that it was not in the governing coalition’s contract and will not be pursued.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Taking aim at Venezuela’s autocrat
Feature The Trump administration is ramping up military pressure on Nicolás Maduro. Is he a threat to the U.S.?
-
Comey indictment: Is the justice system broken?
Feature U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying and obstructing Congress
-
Government shuts down amid partisan deadlock
Feature As Democrats and Republicans clash over health care and spending, the shutdown leaves 750,000 federal workers in limbo
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
The Strait of Messina: a bridge too far?
Talking Point Giorgia Meloni's government wants to build the world's longest suspension bridge, fulfilling the ancient Roman vision of connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
Superyachts are getting caught up in spy scandals
The Explainer China and Russia have both been accused of spying maneuvers on the open sea
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come