Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigns after referendum loss

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigns after referendum loss

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation in the early hours of 5 December, after a convincing defeat in a referendum over his proposals for constitutional reform. Renzi took responsibility for the defeat and told reporters of his plans to call a cabinet meeting and give his resignation to Italys President Sergio Mattarella. The constitutional reform included cutting down the number of senators and curbing their powers relative to the lower house of parliament. Renzi also sought to reduce the political powers of the regions. Dec 5, 2016
Donald Trump risks tensions with China in unprecedented talk with Taiwan

Donald Trump risks tensions with China in unprecedented talk with Taiwan

President-elect Donald Trump received a phone call by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on 2 December and posted his thoughts on Twitter, saying the countrys leader called to congratulate him. The move breaks with US’s One-China policy, causing China’s foreign office to lodge a complaint. In 2007, Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party asserted a separate identity from China and called for the enactment of a new constitution for a normal country.However, China considers the self-ruled island to be part of its territory and the US has not had any formal ties with Taiwan since 1979. Dec 3, 2016