Italy has concluded a two-day constitutional referendum on reforming the judicial and investigative system, which had been championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Italians rejected the proposed changes by a majority: roughly 53.6–54.5% voted against, while approximately 45.5–46.4% voted in favor. Turnout was unexpectedly high at nearly 59%.
The reform, known as the “Nordio reform” (named after Justice Minister Carlo Nordio), envisaged separating the careers of judges and prosecutors, creating two separate High Councils of the Magistracy instead of one, establishing a High Disciplinary Court, and partially replacing elections to self-governing bodies with a lottery system. Meloni’s government argued these measures would make the judicial system more efficient, independent, and free from political influence. Critics, including judges’ associations and opposition parties (the Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, and others), warned that the reform would in fact weaken judicial independence and allow politicians to exert greater influence over prosecutors.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has already conceded defeat. In a video address and social media post, she stated: “Italians have made their decision, and we respect it. Sovereignty remains with the people. This is a missed opportunity to modernize Italy, but the government will continue working until the end of its term and will not resign.” Despite the measured tone, analysts are calling the result Meloni’s first serious political defeat since coming to power in 2022.
Polls and commentary in Italian and international media indicate that the referendum quickly became a vote of confidence in the government. The high turnout and a clear margin for “No” (over 10 percentage points) are seen as a blow to the center-right coalition’s authority, with parliamentary elections a year away in 2027. The opposition is already celebrating and speaks of “a signal from Italians” against “authoritarian tendencies.” At the same time, Meloni’s allies — the League and Forza Italia — stress that the defeat does not change the parliamentary majority and does not affect other reforms.
It remains to be seen exactly how the defeat will affect Meloni’s personal approval ratings, which had previously remained relatively stable. However, many experts note that this is the first time the “unbeatable” prime minister has received a public rebuke from voters on a key campaign promise. The government has pledged to continue work on the judicial system through ordinary legislation, without constitutional amendments.
The referendum passed peacefully but triggered sharp polarization in society. “Yes” won only in three northern regions (Lombardy, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia), while “No” dominated in the center and south of the country.
In sum, Italians said “no” to one of Meloni’s most ambitious reforms, dealing a tangible blow to her government’s image.