Brexit was bad enough. But this could be even worse news for the EU. | The Canary

Two of the richest regions in Italy have just voted [paywall] for greater autonomy, in what could become a worse crisis than Brexit for the EU.

In two separate non-binding votes, the northern Lombardy and Veneto regions voted in favour of more autonomy by over 90% [paywall]. The votes come soon after the 1 October referendum in favour of independence in Catalonia, Spain. And EU Council President Jean-Claude Juncker recently expressed his fear that the independence crisis in Catalonia could spark a domino effect across Europe.

Déjà vu

The sharp rise in support for Catalan independence can be traced back to a 2010 court decision to overturn the previously approved 2006 Catalan Statute. This statute would have given Catalonia more control over taxes. Many people believe that the rejection of this statute laid the foundations for the current crisis, with Catalans feeling aggrieved that the region pays more to the Spanish state in taxes than it receives in return.

Source: Brexit was bad enough. But this could be even worse news for the EU. | The Canary

Two of Italy’s regions will hold autonomy referendums | Daily Mail Online

The presidents of Lombardy and Veneto in northern Italy are holding autonomy referendums on Sunday. Both are campaigning on the economic benefits of loosening Rome’s grip.

Source: Two of Italy’s regions will hold autonomy referendums | Daily Mail Online

REVEALED: Britain’s £1.1TRILLION liability in the EU and why we must get out NOW : Express.

European Union and Eurozone close to death as Italy and France could leave | Politics | News | Daily Express

THE European Union’s political and financial arms could be on the brink of collapse and the world should prepare for its implosion in order to avoid disaster, a top economic expert has claimed.

Source: European Union and Eurozone close to death as Italy and France could leave | Politics | News | Daily Express

Matteo Renzi resigns after Italians say ‘no’ – POLITICO

Center-left Italian PM had little choice but to quit after his heavy defeat in the referendum.

Source: Matteo Renzi resigns after Italians say ‘no’ – POLITICO

Italy referendum result could send shockwaves through markets and RUIN Europe | World | News | Daily Express

THE EU’s days might be numbered with Italy about to vote on a referendum which could send shockwaves across the continent.

Source: Italy referendum result could send shockwaves through markets and RUIN Europe | World | News | Daily Express

We’ve Seen Donald Trump Before – His Name Was Silvio Berlusconi

Stop Making Sense

John Foot writes for The Guardian:

We keep being told that the Donald Trump phenomenon means we have entered the era of post-fact politics. Yet, I would argue, post-fact politics has been tarnishing democracy for some time. Twenty-two years ago a successful businessman sent a VHS tape to Italy’s news channels. It showed him sitting in a (fake) office. He read a pre-prepared statement via an autocue.

The man’s name was Silvio Berlusconi, and he was announcing that he was, in his words, “taking the field”. The first reaction was derision. Opposition politicians saw his political project (the formation of a “movement” called Forza Italia – Go for it, Italy – just months ahead of a crucial general election) as a joke. Some claimed a stocking had been put over the camera to soften the impact of Berlusconi’s face.

But Forza Italia soon became the biggest “party”. In the…

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Italy debt chief sees limited Brexit fallout | Reuters

Italy is not expecting a prolonged fallout in bond markets if Britain decides to leave the European Union in a vote on Thursday, the head of its debt agency said on Tuesday.

Source: Italy debt chief sees limited Brexit fallout | Reuters

“Deliberately Overblown” Brexit Fears Backfire | Zero Hedge

Bank of England Bank of Japan British Pound China Czech European Central Bank Eurozone Federal Reserve France Germany Greece International Monetary Fund Ireland Italy Japan Lithuania Napoleon Netherlands Poland Portugal Precious Metals President Obama Reality Switzerland Trade Balance United Kingdom World Trade

Source: “Deliberately Overblown” Brexit Fears Backfire | Zero Hedge

The world can be a source of hope, not of needless military invasions | Owen Jones | Opinion | The Guardian

Michael Moore Europe

Source: The world can be a source of hope, not of needless military invasions | Owen Jones | Opinion | The Guardian