Matteo Renzi, 41, is the youngest-ever Prime Minister of Italy. During his second year in office, he’s proposing a referendum for “radical and controversial change in the government” which is known for its inefficiencies (especially troubling with the country’s unemployment rate at 12 percent). Among other moves, Renzi wants to reduce the number of senators from 315 to 100 and cut bureaucracy that dominates the legislative process. Italians will vote on the referendum on December 4. Exactly one week prior to the vote, Renzi’s interview with CBS News correspondent Charlie Rose will air on 60 Minutes (November 27).
Renzi was one of the world leaders who publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton. Many believe his endorsement of Clinton has weakened the country’s standing in the world now that Trump has won. Renzi’s opposition, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, sees Trump’s win as a vindication. The founder of the 5-Star Movement Beppe Grillo wrote on his blog: “It is those who dare, the obstinate, the barbarians who will take the world forward. We are the barbarians! The real idiots, populists and demagogues are the journalists and the establishment intellectuals.” Note: Renzi has said he will resign if the referendum is not passed. 60 Minutes airs Sundays at 7:30pm on CBS.
