Italian voters have delivered a significant political setback to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government by rejecting her proposed judicial reform.
In a two-day national referendum, approximately 54% of voters cast their ballots against the reform, while 46% supported it. The voter turnout reached an unexpectedly high 58.5%, indicating strong public engagement on the issue.
The proposal sought to overhaul the judicial system and would have required amendments to Italy’s post-war constitution. Although technically complex, the campaign became highly politicized, with criticism of the existing judicial system playing a central role.
Young voters played a particularly decisive role in the outcome, with a clear majority opposing the reform. Despite a late effort to garner their support, including through unconventional platforms, the “no” vote prevailed.
Meloni acknowledged the outcome, stating that the government would respect the decision and continue to govern. However, analysts suggest this defeat could weaken her political standing and complicate future reform efforts.
The result may also hinder other key initiatives, including plans to introduce the direct election of the prime minister, another crucial constitutional change in her agenda.
Opposition figures, including Giuseppe Conte, hailed the result as a victory for constitutional guarantees, potentially giving them momentum to challenge Meloni more effectively in future elections.
This setback comes at a delicate time, with rising living costs and international tensions increasing pressure on the government. While Meloni remains a dominant figure in Italian politics, the referendum suggests her grip on public support might be less secure than previously thought.