2011 Italian referendums

A nationwide abrogative referendum was held in Italy on 12 and 13 June 2011, on four questions concerning the repeal of recent laws regarding the privatisation of water services (two questions), a return to the nuclear energy which had been phased out after the 1987 referendum, and criminal procedure, specifically a provision exempting the Prime Minister and the Ministers from appearing in court.

[6] When polls closed on 13 June 2011, turnout was 56.9%, with clear majorities of 94.6% to 96.1% in favour on all questions,[7] meaning that about 53,8% to 54,7% of electorate approved them.

Silvio Berlusconi, the then-Prime Minister, implicitly invited to boycott the vote in the hope that the required quorum would not be met.

The President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano declared he would take part to the referendums, without revealing his intentions regarding the votes.

[33] The President of the Council of ministers Silvio Berlusconi declared he would not vote.