Before the recent referendum, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had anticipated a successful overhaul of the judiciary, which included significant changes such as separating the roles of judges and prosecutors. However, the expectation was met with a stark reality when almost 54% of voters rejected the proposed reforms.

The decisive moment came on March 23, 2026, when the referendum results revealed that the ‘No’ camp garnered approximately 53.5% of the votes, while only 46.5% supported the reforms. Voter turnout was notably high at 58.5%, with younger voters aged 18 to 34 leading the opposition, as 61% of them voted against the proposals.

The immediate effects of this outcome are significant for Meloni and her coalition, the Brothers of Italy. Despite conceding defeat, Meloni vowed to continue her role as prime minister, stating, “The Italians have decided and we respect this decision.” However, the referendum defeat is expected to complicate her coalition’s efforts to pass an electoral law ahead of the 2027 elections.

Opposition parties, particularly the Five Star Movement, are likely to gain momentum from this outcome, as the referendum campaign was characterized by inflammatory rhetoric from Meloni and her ministers. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte celebrated the result, declaring, “We did it – long live the constitution.”

Furthermore, the referendum’s implications extend beyond immediate political dynamics. It has been reported that around 80% of members of Italy’s National Magistrates Association staged a strike against the reforms, indicating widespread discontent among legal professionals.

Polls suggest that support for Meloni’s party has declined to 30%, raising questions about her leadership and the future of her government. As political analyst Matteo Renzi remarked, “Even her own followers will now start to doubt her.”

In summary, the rejection of Meloni’s judiciary reforms not only reflects the electorate’s stance but also poses challenges for her administration moving forward. The political landscape in Italy is shifting, and the ramifications of this referendum will likely be felt in the coming months.

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