In Italy, hundreds of hooded anti-government protesters have clashed with Police in Florence as they demonstrated against a constitutional referendum put forward by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. They threw smoke bombs and firecrackers on police, who responded with tear gas. The bill aims to reduce the role of the Senate and cut powers of regional governments.<br/> <br/>Opponents say it will lead to an excessive concentration of power. Mr Renzi has vowed to resign if he loses the 4th of next month's vote. He said, the plan will streamline the Italian Parliament, cut costs and give Italy a more stable government.

In Italy, hundreds of hooded anti-government protesters clashed with police in Florence today just weeks before a referendum on a constitutional reform on which Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has staked his political future.<br/> <br/>There have been protests against the Renzi government and the referendum before, but these were the first involving violence.<br/> <br/>The young protesters were marching through the centre of Florence trying to reach the premises where 41-year-old Renzi, also a former mayor of the Tuscan city, was expected to attend his Democratic Party's annual convention called "Leopolda".<br/> <br/>Television pictures showed officers in riot gear and with batons charging hundreds of protesters who threw smoke bombs, stones and firecrackers and tried to separate from the police by dragging metal fences into the streets. One officer was hurt in the leg during the clashes, Italian media said.