Italy’s Meloni Faces Political Setback as Judicial Reform Referendum Fails
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s push to overhaul the country’s judicial system suffered a significant defeat on Sunday and Monday, March 22-23, 2026, as voters rejected a constitutional referendum on judicial reform. The outcome marks a major political setback for Meloni, who had championed the changes as crucial for modernizing Italy’s legal processes.
Referendum Results and Voter Turnout
Final results from the Interior Ministry showed that approximately 54% of voters opposed the reform, while around 46% supported it. AP News reports that voter turnout was notably high, reaching nearly 59%.
The Proposed Reforms
The proposed judicial reforms would have altered the Italian constitution to separate judges and prosecutors, established a novel disciplinary court, and created separate governing bodies for each profession. The Independent details that the government framed the changes as a way to streamline Italy’s judicial system, which has long been criticized for its slowness and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Concerns Over Executive Power and Authoritarian Drift
Opponents of the reform argued that the changes risked concentrating too much power in the executive branch. Concerns were raised that the reforms could lead to a scenario similar to those seen in the United States under Donald Trump, Hungary under Viktor Orbán, or Poland, where the judiciary’s independence was compromised. El País reports that Meloni’s close relationships with both Trump and Orbán contributed to these fears.
Meloni’s Response and Concessions
Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat, stating she would respect the voters’ decision but characterizing it as “a lost chance to modernize Italy.” The Guardian reports that Meloni affirmed her intention to complete her mandate, which extends until 2027.
Political Fallout and Resignations
The referendum defeat has triggered political fallout within Meloni’s government. Andrea Delmastro, the number two official at the Ministry of Justice, resigned following a scandal involving his co-ownership of a restaurant with a known mafia member. Giusi Bartolozzi, chief of staff of the Ministry of Justice, also resigned after making controversial statements about prosecutors. El País notes that Meloni has also requested the resignation of Minister of Justice Daniela Santanchè, who is facing corruption allegations.
Youth Vote and Ideological Polarization
The referendum saw significant participation from young voters, with 68.4% of those aged 18-29 voting against the reform. El País reports that this reflects a broader trend of increased ideological engagement among young people in Italy, particularly in response to the 2008 financial crisis.
Looking Ahead
The defeat of the judicial reform referendum represents a major challenge for Giorgia Meloni and her government. While Meloni intends to continue her mandate, the outcome has weakened her political position and raised questions about her future plans for institutional reform, including potential changes to the electoral system and the powers of the Prime Minister. The New York Times notes that Meloni had previously led one of Italy’s most stable postwar governments, but now faces increased pressure.
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