The northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto hold referendums on Sunday about increased autonomy from Rome.

Taking place less than a month after two millions Catalans voted to break away from Spain, the parallels are hard to miss. But there are important differences as well.

Similarities

• Like Catalonia, Lombardy and Veneto contribute disproportionately to the national economy.
• All three regions complain they are paying more into the central government than they get out.
• Catalans and northern Italians tend to think of themselves as austere and hard-working compared to laid-back Spaniards and southerners.
• The movements span the political spectrum. In Catalonia, center-right nationalists have made common cause with anticapitalists. In Lombardy and Veneto, both the right-wing Northern League and the left-wing Five Star Movement campaign for a “yes” vote.

Differences

• The Northern League is no longer calling for Po Valley independence. Roberto Maroni, the president of Lombardy, admits to Reuters that he is purely interested in improving his bargaining position: “It’s obvious that the more negotiating power I have, the more money I can manage to bring home.”
• Lombardy would consider it a victory if it managed to pick up a few more responsibilities and around €1-2 billion in additional funds. For many Catalans, independence is the only acceptable outcome.
• Rome is taking a relaxed attitudes to the plebiscites. The ruling Democratic Party is neutral. In Spain, the ruling People’s Party has taken a hard line.