Italians have rejected by a wide margin a constitutional reform proposed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a national referendum, delivering a significant political setback to her government. The constitutional reform would have seen the government taking more control over the judiciary by introducing changes to the structure and appointment mechanisms of judicial bodies.
Critics argued that the proposed amendments risked undermining the separation of powers by increasing political influence over judges and prosecutors. Voter turnout stood at approximately 64%, with around 53.26% voting against the reform and 46.74% in favour, indicating a clear rejection across multiple regions. Early results indicated a clear rejection across multiple regions, with opposition to the changes cutting across political lines. Legal experts, opposition parties and sections of civil society had campaigned against the proposal, warning that it could weaken judicial independence in Italy.
The Meloni government had defended the reform as part of a broader effort to streamline Italy’s institutional framework and improve efficiency within the justice system. Supporters argued that the judiciary required reform to address delays and structural inefficiencies, which have long been a concern in the Italian legal system. However, the referendum result suggests that a majority of voters were not convinced by these arguments.
The outcome represents a political challenge for the government, which had invested significant political capital in the reform process. The result is also likely to have wider implications for Italy’s political landscape, as it signals limits to constitutional change through direct public approval. It remains unclear whether the government will attempt to revise the proposal or pursue alternative reforms to the judicial system in the coming months.
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