Despite the sign of the Pact for Apulia, Emiliano often criticized Prime Minister Renzi, who was also the leader of his own party, who was considered by Emiliano too centrist. He often implemented regional policies in contrast with those of the government. This contrast reached its peak at the referendum on the gas and oil drilling concessions, promoted and supported by Emiliano and opposed by Renzi. During the referendum campaign, Emiliano repeatedly accused the government of having introduced the law to favor oil companies and Renzi instead accused the governor of having promoted the referendum only for personal purposes. Although 86% voted in favour of repealing the law, the turnout of 31% was below the majority threshold required to validate the result. Moreover, during the campaign for the 2016 constitutional referendum, concerning the Renzi's Senate reform, Emiliano supported the "No", in open opposition to the line of his party. On 4 December, "No" won with 59% of votes and Renzi resigned as Prime Minister.