Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni snubbed a referendum on easing citizenship laws but has emerged stronger from the vote as the leftist opposition failed to mobilise mass opposition to her right-wing government after nearly three years in power.

Less than a third of eligible voters turned out for a poll that would have made it easier for foreigners to become citizens, and strengthened labor rights.

A referendum in Italy on easing citizenship rules and enhancing workers' rights has been declared invalid. Around 30% of voters participated - well short of the 50% threshold required to make the vote binding - in the poll,