Italy's Renzi says will intensify reforms after local vote

ROME: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Monday he would step up his efforts to reform the country and renew his party after what was widely seen as a disappointing local election result that he instead described as "very positive."

"After yesterday's vote, we will carry on with even more determination in the process of renewing the party and changing the country," Ranzi said in a written statement.

They were his first comments after Sunday's elections. Renzi's centre-left won five of seven regions at stake, maintaining its position before the vote, but support for his Democratic Party fell sharply compared with European elections last year, while anti-establishment and euro-sceptic parties performed strongly.