Page "Referendums in Italy" Paragraph 11

The political party in Italy that is most closely associated with, and has made most use of, referendums in the last 40 years is the Radical Party led by Marco Pannella.

They hold the record for most referendums presented.

Despite only receiving around 2. 5 % of the popular vote in most national elections, the numerous referendums they have proposed over the years have often mobilised the entire Italian political spectrum in support or opposition.

They will often use unconventional methods such as prolonged hunger strikes and / or thirst strikes by their leaders to draw attention to their cause.

Their largest political battles came in the 1970s and 80's when they successfully campaigned for the right to divorce and the right to abortion.