Relaunching Europe? Italy PM Matteo Renzi to Resign as Euroskeptics Vie for Power

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is to step down, after losing a referendum that many took as a vote on his premiership. Two Euroskeptic parties, Lega Nord and the Five-Star Movement, are now vying to take control. As RT's Polly Boiko reports, upcoming elections are creating opportunities for anti-establishment politicians across the EU.

Italy: PM Renzi to Resign after Crushing Referendum Defeat

Italy's Prime Minister Vows to Resign

Italy's prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has announced he'll resign in the coming hours after conceding defeat in a national referendum. Exit polls show Italians have rejected his proposals for reforming the constitution.

Inside Story - Will Italians Vote Yes or No for Constitutional Reforms?

Referendum on Sunday deciding whether or nor not to strengthen central government and weaken the old political guard.

Matteo Renzi's Female Ministers Face 'Sexist' Onslaught Over Dress Sense

Italy's new Prime Minister, 39-year-old Matteo Renzi, is
greeted by a well-wisher as he leaves a church

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The eight women appointed to Italy's new cabinet have been deluged with criticism over their outfits at the swearing-in ceremony

Eight women appointed as ministers in Italy's new government have faced an avalanche of criticism over their dress sense, with one stylist urging them to give Giorgio Armani a call.

New prime minister Matteo Renzi aimed at boosting equality in Italy at the weekend by naming the women to his 16-strong cabinet, including 33-year-old Marianna Madia, who is eight months pregnant.

But instead of hailing a breakthrough for gender equality the press has been dominated by catcalls revolving around the clothes they wore to the swearing-in ceremony.

In particular the electric blue trouser suit worn by Maria Elena Boschi, 33, the new minister for reform, was described by Corriere della Sera as a colour "unknown in nature".

La Stampa likened the blue of Ms Boschi's suit to that worn by "a Marvel superhero like Captain America", adding that her trousers were so tight that when she bent over to sign in as minister "many were reminded of Pippa Middleton's silhouette." » | Tom Kington, Rome | Sunday, February 23, 2014