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Meloni admits defeat as Italians reject judicial reform in major referendum
About 54% of Italian voters rejected a judicial reform splitting judges and prosecutors' careers, seen as a bid to increase government control over the judiciary.
- On March 23, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat after Italian voters rejected the judicial reform, with nearly 54% voting 'No'.
- Because it lacked the required majority, the reforms went to a confirmatory referendum after Parliament approved the reform but failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed in October 2025, while the government argued the changes were needed to make the judiciary more accountable.
- The reform would have split the Superior Council of the Judiciary and replaced peer elections drawn by lot with a 15-member Disciplinary Court, although only a tiny minority currently switch roles.
- The result leaves Meloni weakened domestically, with Monday's defeat likely affecting her standing before next year's elections, as the resignation of the president of the National Association of Magistrates coincided with preliminary results.
- Pollsters said many 'No' votes reflected dissatisfaction with Meloni's government, with nearly 59% turnout marking an energized electorate ahead of next year's elections.
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COMMENT. The referendum in Italy was the first heavy defeat for Giorgia Meloni after just over three years as prime minister.
·Stockholm, Sweden
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In Italy, judicial reform has failed in a referendum.
Analysts say the result indicates that the Italian prime minister's support has weakened.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources233
Leaning Left45Leaning Right31Center38Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
40% Left
L 40%
C 33%
R 27%
Factuality
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