ROME – Initial polling results from Monday indicate that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has suffered a close defeat in a crucial referendum regarding judicial system reforms, potentially weakening her governing alliance before next year’s national elections.
Multiple polling organizations, including SWG and Opinio, reported after the March 22-23 voting period that opposition forces supporting the “No” position captured between 49% and 53% of votes, while the administration’s “Yes” supporters received 47% to 51%. YouTrend polling also showed the “No” side leading.
Voter participation exceeded projections and came after a contentious campaign period that exposed significant hostility between Italy’s conservative governing alliance and the country’s judicial branch, creating divisions that may have long-term consequences.
