Italy Rejects Meloni’s Justice Reform in Referendum Blow

A decisive “no” vote has rejected Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s proposed judicial reforms in a nationwide referendum held Sunday and Monday, dealing a significant blow to her government’s agenda. With over 97% of votes counted, the “no” campaign secured 53.62% of the vote, even as the “yes” campaign garnered 46.38%, according to official results reported by Wikipedia and Italian news outlets.

The referendum centered on revisions to Articles 87, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 110 of the Italian Constitution, aiming to overhaul the judicial system, including the separation of careers between prosecutors and judges, the establishment of two separate councils for the judiciary, and the creation of a high court to judge magistrates.

Meloni acknowledged the defeat, stating in a video posted to social media that she respected the outcome of the vote, as reported by RSI. “The sovereignty belongs to the people and the Italians have expressed themselves clearly,” she said. While expressing regret for a “missed opportunity to modernize Italy,” she affirmed her government’s commitment to continue working for the nation’s benefit.

The outcome is being interpreted as a setback for Meloni, who had personally championed the reforms. According to Euronews, the defeat removes “her aura of invincibility.” The referendum result also raises questions about the future of key figures within her government, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and officials like Giusi Bartolozzi, the chief of staff to Nordio, who previously made controversial statements about removing magistrates if the reforms passed. Andrea Delmastro, a junior minister, also faces scrutiny following a recent controversial case.

Opposition parties are seizing on the result. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, called for the government to reflect and listen to the country’s priorities, suggesting a viable alternative government exists. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, described the vote as a “new spring” for the country and announced plans for primary elections to determine leadership of a unified center-left coalition. Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, went further, urging Meloni to resign, drawing a parallel to his own resignation after a referendum defeat in 2016.

Turnout for the referendum was 53.26%, with younger voters returning to the polls, according to the referendum results. The vote took place against a backdrop of international tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, and economic concerns related to rising energy prices.

Celebrations erupted among “no” campaign supporters, with demonstrations reported in Rome and Naples. Magistrates in Naples reportedly celebrated with singing and toasts, while the leader of the Cgil trade union, Maurizio Landini, called for a rally in Rome. The “no” campaign emphasized the importance of protecting the independence of the judiciary.

While Meloni has pledged to continue governing, the referendum result introduces uncertainty into the final year of her legislative term. The government intends to proceed with other priorities, including a proposed constitutional reform establishing a directly elected premiership and a new electoral law, according to Maurizio Lupi, leader of Noi Moderati. Yet, the defeat on judicial reform has undoubtedly weakened her position and emboldened the opposition.