Constitutional reforms rejected

Berlusconi takes another hit, and Prodi’s center-left coalition gets some more political capital, as Italians vote in a referendum to reject broad constitutional changes that would have pumped more power to the prime minister and increase regional independence.

Results from all polling stations except those overseas showed 61.7 percent of the voters in a two-day, nationwide referendum turned down the plan to strengthen the prime minister’s powers and give more autonomy to the regions. (Link)