Senators in
Italy have voted in favour of sweeping reforms that could lead to a dramatic
reduction in the size and power of the upper house of parliament.
The reforms
have been spearheaded by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi as part of a plan to lift
Italy out of recession.
They aim to
make the Senate an unelected body, less able to challenge laws proposed in the
lower house.
However,
the reforms will require more debate - and a possible referendum - before being
passed into law.
Friday's
move has been preceded by a lengthy battle in parliament.
According
to Reuters news agency, the run-up to the vote saw nearly 8,000 amendments
tabled by opposition parties, amid furious shouting matches.
The debate
over the reforms has diverted the government's attention, correspondents say,
amid a prolonged economic crisis.
Italy, the
euro zone's third-largest economy, slipped back into recession in the second
quarter of this year, according to figures released this week.
(Published by BBC News - August 8, 2014)