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The Five Star movement (M5S) - which wants Italy to hold an EU referendum – is calling for elections in February to capitalise on the results of last week’s constitutional vote, which saw the resignation of pro-Brussels PM Matteo Renzi. But rules say that any election before September 16 would deprive first-time MPs, which make up more than half of the total number of deputies and Senators, of their right to claim an €850 (£715) per month pension. Italian MPs are already the highest paid in Europe, earning more than £140,000 per year - £11,000 a month - compared with the £74,000 a year salaries of British and French MPs, and £29,000 earned by Spanish counterparts.

GETTY Italy's Eurosceptic party blasted MP's hoping for a General Election to secure better pensions

But rules imposed by President Mario Monti in 2012 state that first-time members of both chambers can only claim for their pensions after serving a full term of at least four years, six months and a day. A single term in office qualifies them for €850 a month, with the figure increasing dramatically over time.

The Five Star Movement will ensure that all of Italy knows about this outrage, and shame these MPs into reversing this position Danilo Toninelli, M5S MP

Italy’s XVII Legislature contains a whopping 608 newly elected MPs out of a total of 945 (417 in the House and 191 in the Senate). And it is concern over the loss of the stipend that is now dominating whispered conversations in bars and restaurants surrounding Rome’s Palazzo Montecitorio, Italy’s chamber of deputies. "I hear them chatter in local bars - especially the younger ones," said Northern League MP Roberto Calderoli. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to leave their post before 15 September 2017.”

GETTY Italian PM Matteo Renzi resigned after an unsuccessful constitutional referendum

This was confirmed by Democratic Party MP Thomas Currò, who said: "I would not be honest if I did not admit that among us we talk about this." Speaking to the Sunday Express last night M5S MP Danilo Toninelli said: “It takes 35 years for an ordinary citizen to get a pension worth €850 a month. MPs only have to do a full term of four years, six months and a day to be entitled to it. “Unfortunately many new MPs are determined not to lose out, and they will even invoke needless or bad legislation to string things along.

In pictures: Crises that have crippled Italy Thu, November 2, 2017 The European Union has warned that Italy's economy is not improving Play slideshow EPA 1 of 9 November 2016: Florence erupts in violence as anti-Renzi protesters clash with riot cops. Hooded youths attacked lines of cops protecting embattled prime minister Matteo Renzi, who was in the city for crunch political talks.

GETTY Leader of the M5S, Beppe Grillo, pledged to hold a referendum on withdrawing from the Eurozone

“The people want General Elections in February, not in September. “The Five Star Movement will ensure that all of Italy knows about this outrage, and shame these MPs into reversing this position." Five Star Movement leader Beppe Grillo has pledged to hold a referendum on whether Italy should withdraw from the “punitive” Euro currency, if his coalition gains power.

GETTY Italy leaving the Eurozone could be disastrous for the EU