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The Italians are having a referendum on constitutional reform on December 4 and the current Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has vowed to resign if the people reject his proposals – and all the polls suggest he should be thinking about packing up his belongings. If Mr Renzi’s Democratic Party loses the public vote and he resigns, it will open the door for right wing nationalists to become the dominant coalition power base in parliament, and the anti-immigration figureheads have vowed to “push” their leader if he does not jump.

GETTY Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will resign if he loses referendum and country could ditch Euro

This is hugely significant because in Italy it is forbidden to have a referendum on changing the terms of international treaties, such as the EU’s freedom of movement, or the single currency, so the decision on those issues entirely belongs to the government. The only condition needed for Italy to reject the Euro and adopt a more nationalist approach is to have a majority right wing coalition in power, something that is now more likely than ever with the emergence of Matteo Salvini’s Northern League and the Five Star Movement, founded by former comedian Beppe Grillo. Mr Salvini said: “If the ‘no’ vote wins, we’ll push Matteo Renzi. He has bet everything on this reform. We should have new elections as soon as possible.”

GETTY Matteo Salvini, of the Northern League, wants Italy to leave the EU

The 41-year-old has made his intentions very clear – ditch the Euro and tighten up the borders. He said: “The Euro is an experience that’s over. We hope for a coordinated exit and a dismantling by agreement of the single currency.” Polling data shows the Italians will reject the constitutional reform proposals put forward by Mr Renzi, which includes reducing the numbers of MPs and tightening up the control of the Senate.

GETTY Beppe Grillo, a former stand-up comedian, founded the Five Star Movement

GETTY The Italian PM has staked his future on the outcome of the constitutional reform referendum

The right-wing Five Star Movement is currently sitting at 30 per cent in the polls, the Northern League and former Prime Minister Sylvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia both have 12 per cent – a majority should the sides form a coalition at the next election. The future of the European Union will be in doubt if those on the right can form a working relationship.

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.