Before the recent referendum, expectations were high for Giorgia Meloni and her coalition, who had been in power since October 2022. Meloni’s proposed overhaul of the judiciary was seen as a pivotal moment for her government, aiming to separate the roles of judges and prosecutors and amend Italy’s constitution. However, the anticipated support for these reforms did not materialize.
On March 23, 2026, Italian voters delivered a resounding rejection of Meloni’s judiciary reform plans, with almost 54% voting against the proposals. The turnout for the referendum was notable, reaching 58.5%, indicating a significant level of public engagement. The decisive moment came as younger voters, particularly those aged 18 to 34, overwhelmingly opposed the reforms, with 61% voting ‘No’.
The immediate effects of this referendum are profound. Meloni conceded defeat but expressed her commitment to continue as prime minister, stating, “The Italians have decided and we respect this decision.” Despite her determination, the outcome is expected to complicate her coalition’s efforts to pass an electoral law for the upcoming 2027 elections.
Opposition parties, particularly the Five Star Movement, are poised to gain momentum from this result. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte celebrated the outcome, proclaiming, “We did it – long live the constitution.” In contrast, political analysts suggest that Meloni’s support may wane, with figures like Matteo Renzi predicting that even her own followers might begin to doubt her leadership.
While the referendum campaign was characterized by inflammatory rhetoric from Meloni and her ministers, the rejection of the reforms reflects a broader sentiment among the electorate. The 53.5% of votes for the ‘No’ camp signifies a clear message from the public regarding their expectations for judicial independence and governance.
As Meloni’s government navigates this setback, the future remains uncertain. The proposed reforms aimed to reshape Italy’s judicial landscape, but the rejection has left her coalition facing challenges ahead. The political landscape in Italy is shifting, and the repercussions of this referendum will likely resonate in the months to come.
