We'll stop premiership, autonomy plans says Schlein

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 18 - Centre-right opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein told an opposition rally in Rome Tuesday that they would "stop" controversial government moves to reform the premiership so that the Italian people elect their heads of government in a move the PD says will lead to authoritarian government, and to increase regional autonomy in a step the PD says will worsen the north-south gap.
    "It's a very beautiful crowd," she said as she arrived in Piazza Santissimi Apostoli, where the rally was taking place.
    "We called this rally in just a few days.
    "The beauty of seeing so many flags, different and all together, united to defend the Constitution and national unity.
    "Today the Senate passed the premiership (reform), the self-styled patriot (Premier Giorgia Meloni) is carrying forward her reform that splits Italy.
    "They are pushing in the House too to bring forward differentiated autonomy, a reform that aims to increase inequalities.
    "It's important to be here as opposition forces, political, social and associational realities, citizens together to prevent them wrecking our Constitution.
    "We'll stop them together, we must stop them". (ANSA).