Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat Monday after preliminary results from a referendum showed voters rejected proposed changes to the country’s judiciary, a key test of her government’s agenda.
“The Italians have decided. And we respect this decision,” Meloni said in a statement on X. “This does not change our commitment to continue, with seriousness and determination, to work for the good of the nation and to honour the mandate entrusted to us.” She confirmed she would not resign.
With nearly all ballots counted, approximately 55% of voters opposed the reform, while 45% supported it. Turnout reached nearly 59%.
The proposed constitutional changes aimed to separate the career paths of judges and prosecutors, divide the Superior Council of the Magistracy into two bodies, and establish a new Disciplinary Court. Italy currently operates a unified judiciary in which judges and prosecutors belong to the same professional body, take the same entrance exam, and can switch roles during their careers.
Parliament approved the reform in October 2025, but it fell short of the two-thirds majority required to bypass a popular vote. The referendum was confirmatory, meaning the law would only have taken effect if the majority voted in favour, and no turnout quorum was required.
Political reactions were swift. Galeazzo Bignami, leader of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party in the Chamber of Deputies, expressed disappointment, highlighting the centre-right coalition’s unified support for the reform. Nicola Fratoianni of the Green Left Alliance criticized the initiative, arguing it threatened judicial independence.
Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, who abstained during parliamentary approval, urged the government to heed the popular vote. Cesare Parodi, president of the National Association of Magistrates, announced his resignation on Monday, citing family reasons, though the timing coincided with the referendum results.
Opponents of the reform argued it would erode judicial independence and increase government control over magistrates, a claim Meloni denied.
Meloni has led Italy’s government since October 2022, with her mandate extending through 2027.
