Abstract

This insight provides an overview of the main juridical issues concerning the fifth referendum on the separation of the cities of Venice and Mestre, held unsuccessfully on the 1st December 2019. First, it highlights that local referenda on administrative-territorial changes – even if regarding changes in metropolitan city territory – fall within the competence of the Regions. Secondly, it challenges the provision of an outright majority for the validity of the vote, which led to the failure of the referendum. In conclusion, it argues that separatist sentiments should be addressed by rationalising the Venetian system of government, which proved unable to cope with the complex issues of the city and its lagoon.