Obama, Renzi Discuss Outcome of Italy’s Referendum Over Phone

US President Barack Obama and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi discussed the results of the referendum on constitutional changes in Italy during a phone call on Tuesday, the White House announced in a release after the conversation.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Sunday, Italians rejected a constitutional reform plan aimed at reducing Senate's powers to speed up the law adoption process. Renzi, who was backing the reform, announced his resignation Monday.

“President Obama and Prime Minister Renzi discussed the outcome of Italy’s December 4 constitutional referendum,” the release said. “The President emphasized that Italy will remain one of the United States’ closest and strongest allies and an indispensable partner.”

Obama also thanked Renzi for the close friendship and partnership during Renzi’s tenure, according to the White House.

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella asked Renzi to delay his resignation before the approval of the budget, currently discussed by the parliament.