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Italy Rejects Meloni's Judicial Reform in Referendum Vote

3/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The referendum rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's judicial reform, with 54% voting “No” and 46% “Yes”.
Meloni called the outcome a “lost chance to modernize Italy” and pledged to respect the decision.
The reform aimed to separate the roles of judges and prosecutors and restructure the High Council of the Judiciary, a change critics argued would undermine independence.
The defeat is a setback for Meloni ahead of upcoming elections.

History

Historical Context

Italy's constitutional referendums have a complex history, with significant votes in 2001 and 2006 shaping governmental structure. In 2001, 64% approved decentralization reforms under Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The recent rejection of Giorgia Meloni's judicial reform echoes past struggles over judicial independence, highlighting ongoing tensions in Italy's democracy and potentially obstructing Meloni's political agenda.

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Story summary

The referendum rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's judicial reform, with 54% voting “No” and 46% “Yes”.
Meloni called the outcome a “lost chance to modernize Italy” and pledged to respect the decision.
The reform aimed to separate the roles of judges and prosecutors and restructure the High Council of the Judiciary, a change critics argued would undermine independence.
The defeat is a setback for Meloni ahead of upcoming elections.

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