Meloni Admits Defeat in Italian Judicial Reform Referendum

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni admitted defeat in a nationwide referendum aimed at reforming the judicial system. The referendum has become a vote on her political future.

The Italian Ministry of the Interior announced that, with approximately 78% of votes counted, about 54.1% of voters cast their ballots against the reform, rejecting Meloni’s proposal, while around 45.9% voted in favor.

The result marks Meloni’s biggest setback since taking office at the end of 2022 and represents her first defeat in a national election. As she prepares for the upcoming general elections, this could weaken her governing authority.

Meloni posted on social media that she respects the Italian voters’ decision and expressed regret that she was unable to seize the opportunity to modernize Italy. She said she will continue to fulfill her duties during her term, and the government will persist in pushing forward related work with the same determination.

In Italy, national referendums have previously led to the resignation of several leaders, even when only technical reforms are involved.