Conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suffered a major political blow after citizens overwhelmingly voted against her administration’s proposed judicial system overhaul in a referendum that concluded Sunday.
Opposition forces claiming “No” captured approximately 54% of votes, while Meloni’s “Yes” supporters managed only about 46%, based on nearly complete data from Italy’s Interior Ministry.
The two-day voting period drew unexpectedly high participation at nearly 59%, following an intensely divisive campaign. The outcome energized center-left opposition parties while revealing cracks in the right-wing alliance backing Meloni.
This referendum loss threatens to undermine Meloni’s authority domestically and internationally. The setback could also hinder her ability to justify her controversial partnership with U.S. President Donald Trump and his increasingly criticized military actions against Iran.
The proposed changes targeted Italy’s long-disputed judicial framework. One central element would have permanently divided the professional tracks of judges and prosecutors, eliminating their ability to transfer between positions.
The plan also sought to restructure the High Judicial Council, the body responsible for magistrate appointments and disciplinary actions. Under the failed proposal, this council would have been divided into three distinct chambers, with member selection switching from internal voting to random selection from qualified judicial personnel.
