Meloni Concedes Defeat in Italian Judicial Reform Referendum
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suffered a significant political setback after voters rejected a constitutional referendum on judicial reform. With nearly all ballots counted, the 'No' campaign secured a decisive victory with approximately 54% of the vote, against 46% for the 'Yes' side backed by Meloni's government. The Prime Minister conceded defeat in a social media video, stating that Italians had voted 'with clarity' and that she would respect their decision, though she labeled the outcome 'a lost opportunity' to modernize the country. The referendum proposed a major overhaul of Italy's justice system, primarily by splitting the career paths of judges and prosecutors. Initially presented as a technical reform, the vote evolved into a symbolic showdown on Meloni's leadership, sharpening political divisions and unifying the center-left opposition. The high-stakes nature of the campaign was reflected in a notably high voter turnout, the highest for a referendum in years, indicating its perceived importance to the electorate. Analysts suggest the result shatters Meloni's aura of political invincibility, which had been bolstered by her party's strong standing in opinion polls and her record of providing relative stability during her three-and-a-half years in power. Opponents now believe her government can be challenged, with one analyst noting she will emerge from the defeat 'a weaker prime minister.' The outcome marks the first major political defeat for Meloni and is likely to impact her strategy ahead of a general election expected next year.
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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has lost a key referendum on a constitutional reform which had turned into a vote on her government. The result gives around 54% to the "No" campaign and 46% to the "Yes" vote which Meloni had backed. In a video posted on social media even before all the ballots were counted, Meloni said Italians had voted "with clarity" and she would respect their decision, but she regretted a "lost chance to modernise" the country. It is the first significant defeat ...
ROME — Italian right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s crushing defeat in Monday’s referendum on judicial reform has shattered her aura of political invincibility, and her opponents now reckon she can be toppled in a general election expected next year.
Giorgia Meloni concedes defeat in Italy’s judiciary reform referendum – as it happened | World news | The Guardian
Prime minister Giorgia Meloni votes in the constitutional referendum on justice Photograph: Francesco Fotia/AGF/Shutterstock ... Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has just conceded defeat in the referendum, saying she will respect the voters’ decision – but branding it “a lost chance ...
In power for three-and-a-half years, close to a record in a land of shaky coalitions, Meloni prides herself on bringing stability to Italy. But as this referendum has become increasingly personalised, she could be facing her first significant defeat.
Italian voters reject Giorgia Meloni’s plan to overhaul judiciary | Italy | The Guardian
Her Brothers of Italy party, which ... while Meloni rides high in personal opinion polls. But this aura of invincibility is now damaged, analysts said. “Her standing is going to suffer,” D’Alimonte said. “She’s going to be a weaker prime minister.” · The referendum defeat will make ...
Highest referendum turnout in years as Italians vote on high-stakes judicial reform | Euronews
Referendum on justice governance, Italy - Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ... Polling stations across Italy opened on Sunday for a two-day referendum on judicial reform, which would split the career paths of judges and prosecutors, a reform that has sharpened political ...
Originally presented as a technical overhaul of the justice system, the reform has sharpened political divisions and unified the center‑left opposition, turning the referendum into a symbolic showdown on Meloni’s strength. (AP video and production by Francesco Sportelli) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share ... A woman arrives to vote in a referendum on judicial reform, at a polling station in Milan, Italy...
"We'll continue to work together ... at a news conference celebrating the "No" victory. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now · Left: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni casts her vote during a referendum on reforms to Italy's justice system before ...
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