1989 Separation Referendum

The 1989 Referendum polled the public’s opinion about potential separation and saw 15% more support than the Referendum in 1979.

Political Developments Leading up to 1989

An increased momentum for separation in the decade since in 1979 was a result of [[Terraferma|Terraferma’s (the mainland of Venice) feeling of being controlled by the government of Venice . An economic factor, mainly the industrialization of Terraferma, drove in increase in support for another referendum.

Results and Outcomes

The orange slice shows the percentage of Venetians who were not in favor of a separation of Venice.

The 15% increase did not change the outcome of the separation referendum. However, both the Terraferma and Estuario breakdowns of vote increase were 15%, and therefore a proportional shared interest.Overall, there were 42% of people voting “yes” for a separation and 58% of people voting “no.” In addition, this referendum started a greater push for governmental authority in Venice in the form of increased movements and more frequent referendums. A study done in 1990, influenced by the outcome of the 1989 referendum, researched and proposed three different models concerning the restructure of the Venice-Mestre Municipality. It also helped movements gain footing which culminated in another referendum in 1994.

See Also

• Separation Referendums
• 1979 Separation Referendum
• 1994 Separation Referendum