ROME — The Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi has said that general elections will take place in 2018 whatever the outcome of the constitutional referendum. 

 Many sources, however, state that Renzi intended to say that the vote would take place in 2018 only because he was absolutely convinced that Italy would vote ‘Yes’.

 The Italian premier has made his political future dependent on winning the vote, after saying the referendum was crucial to ensure the government’s stability. No party has completed a full term in Italy since WW2. 

 Renzi's statement has met with much opposition, however, since the premier has previously stated that he would step down from office if he were to lose the vote.

 Among those to voice their criticism was leader of the Five Star Movement Beppe Grillo, who on Monday afternoon wrote on his blog: "[Renzi] swore: If I lose the referendum, I will leave politics. Now he's saying: whatever the outcome, elections will take place in 2018. If that isn't someone going back on their word after fearing that they'll lose the vote, what is it?"

 The referendum, which will probably take place around the turn of next year, will see the nation decide on the balance between the upper and lower houses of Parliament. A ‘Yes’ vote would see the Senate’s power virtually abolished, with its ability to veto legislation severely reduced. 

 Critics of the referendum worry that the government may gain dangerous amounts of power if it passes. 

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