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Italians begin voting in high-stakes justice referendum

The referendum proposes splitting Italy's judiciary oversight and separating judge and prosecutor careers, with polls neck-and-neck and turnout doubling past referendums, officials said.

  • On Sunday, Italy opens a two-day referendum on judicial reform, presenting a pivotal test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership, with results expected by Monday evening.
  • Because the package would alter constitutional rules, it must be ratified by a public referendum after both chambers approved it, with reforms separating judges and public prosecutors' careers and splitting the High Judicial Council into chambers.
  • Recent polls show a tight race, with the No camp gaining late momentum, making turnout decisive because the reform passes only if Yes votes outnumber No votes, as survey data reveal four-in-10 Italians trust the judiciary.
  • A No outcome could weaken Meloni's invincibility and bolster the centre-left opposition, but her mandate runs through 2027, so resignation is not imminent.
  • Supporters and critics disagree on long-term effects, as the referendum outcome could shape Italy's 2027 election and carry international implications, including a 'Trump risk', analysts warn.
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120 Articles

Lean Right

Reform will probably be rejected, and Meloni's image as "invincible" will suffer a blow, according to the professor.

·Denmark
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Lean Left

Italian citizens are voting today and tomorrow in a referendum on judicial reform that has sharpened political divisions in the country and is a test for Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni ahead of elections next year.

·Belgrade, Serbia
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Lean Right

Italians go to the Urnas this Sunday and Tuesday for a "more efficient, mertocratic and free" judicial system designed by the prime minister. Opposition poses a threat to the independence of justice.

·Portugal
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Right

Italian voters are called to the polls on Sunday 22 and Monday 23 March to vote on a constitutional referendum led by Giorgia Meloni. The election aims to "guarante the neutrality of judges" and to defend a judicial system judged too slow, if not too lenient, on certain subjects, in particular immigration, according to the words of the President of the Council, reports CNews. The question asked is technical and refers to several articles of the …

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sky.it broke the news in Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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