Matteo Renzi urged Italians to embrace his political reforms or face decades of stagnation, as the country prepares to vote in Sunday’s crucial referendum on constitutional change.

“This is the best opportunity we have to think about our children’s future,” the Italian prime minister said. “If we refuse to board the train this time, we will have to wait decades (for a similar chance).”

Italy was in desperate need of change and would be “stronger” if it embraced the constitutional reform package, which would reduce the size and authority of the Senate, the upper house, in a bid to make the passing of legislation more stream-lined.