Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has encountered her most significant political setback since taking office, with voters decisively rejecting her proposed constitutional reforms in a national referendum. The controversial judicial overhaul, which aimed to establish a strict constitutional separation between judges and prosecutors, was defeated by a substantial margin of 54% to 46%.
Despite the technical nature of the proposed changes, the vote rapidly transformed into a broader plebiscite on Meloni’s nearly three-and-a-half-year administration. In a social media address delivered before final results were confirmed, the Prime Minister acknowledged the clarity of the Italian people’s decision while expressing regret over what she characterized as a ‘missed opportunity for modernization.’
The referendum outcome represents the first major electoral defeat for Meloni’s right-wing coalition, which had previously presided over an unusual period of political stability in Italy. Opposition parties swiftly hailed the result as indicative of growing public desire for change, particularly with general elections scheduled for next year.
Voter turnout reached nearly 60% despite the complex legal question posed, exceeding expectations. Preliminary exit polls had initially suggested a narrower margin of defeat before the count expanded to a more substantial rejection of the government’s proposal.
The failed reform would have constitutionally mandated a complete separation between judicial prosecutors and sitting judges, creating distinct governing bodies for each branch and establishing a new disciplinary court. Government advocates argued these measures were essential for enhancing judicial independence, while opponents contended they would disrupt Italy’s carefully constructed post-fascist balance of powers and increase political influence over the judiciary.
The timing proved particularly challenging for Meloni, who maintains close political ties with increasingly unpopular U.S. President Donald Trump. With Italy’s economy experiencing stagnation and public concern mounting over Middle East conflict impacts on energy costs, many voters appeared to use the referendum as an opportunity to express broader dissatisfaction.
Unlike former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi—who resigned following his own failed 2016 constitutional referendum—Meloni had explicitly ruled out stepping down regardless of the outcome. Renzi subsequently advised that the government had lost its ‘magic touch’ and must better heed voter concerns.
The defeat diminishes some of the political luster surrounding both Meloni’s coalition and her personal reputation as Italy’s seemingly invulnerable political strongwoman. Opposition Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein declared the result demonstrates ‘there is an alternative to this government’ as parties prepare for next year’s general election.