Italian Voters Block Meloni's Judicial Overhaul in Major Referendum Loss

Italian voters rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's judicial reform on Monday, with the "No" camp winning around 54 percent of the vote against the government-backed "Yes" campaign, which secured about 46 percent. Turnout over the two-day ballot was considerably higher than expected at almost 59 percent following a polarizing campaign. The rejection marks a serious blow to Meloni and her allies, who have maintained a stable ruling coalition since 2022.

The proposed reform focused on separating career paths of judges and prosecutors, preventing them from moving from one role to another. Another pillar was splitting the existing Superior Council of the Judiciary into two separate oversight bodies, where members would be drawn by lots instead of voted in by their peers and lawmakers. The proposal also foresaw a new 15-member disciplinary body. Meloni's Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said the reform would fix the "para-Mafia mechanism" operating among judges. Far-right politicians in Italy have long insinuated that the country's judiciary was biased against them, but only a small minority of Italian prosecutors switch careers to become judges, and vice versa.

Critics argued that the measures risked concentrating too much power in the executive branch. Opposition parties, civil society groups and legal associations mounted a unified front, warning that the reform could undermine institutional checks and balances. Some opponents also pointed out that the proposal would not fix the arguably most severe issue plaguing the country's courts: the glacially slow pace of its trials, which causes backlogs and prison overcrowding.

Meloni conceded defeat in an online post, lamenting the outcome as "a lost chance to modernize Italy" while pledging to respect the decision. She promised to "continue, with seriousness and determination, to work for the good of the nation and to honor the mandate entrusted to us." Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, head of the populist Five Star Movement, wrote online: "We did it! Long live the Constitution!" Conte portrayed the result as "an eviction notice for this government after four years." Another ex-Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, said a leader in Meloni's position cannot "pretend it is business as usual," adding: "When a leader loses their magic touch, everyone starts to doubt them."

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for next year. The referendum defeat could weaken Meloni's re-election chances, though she has pledged to remain in office regardless of the outcome.