Italian PM Meloni suffers first electoral defeat in referendum on judicial reform

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suffered her first defeat at the polls in three and a half years as Italian voters rejected her proposed judicial reform in a referendum. The "no" vote won with approximately 53.8% to 54.1% of the votes counted, signaling political weariness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Key points

• The referendum concerned separating the careers of judges and prosecutors and modifying the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM).
• Participation was high, around 58.9% to 60%, turning the technical vote into a political plebiscite on Meloni's government.
• Meloni acknowledged the defeat, stating she respects the decision, but affirmed her commitment to continue governing.
• The opposition, including leaders like Elly Schlein (Democratic Party) and Giuseppe Conte (Five Star Movement), celebrated the result.
• The 'yes' vote won in the North-East region, while the 'no' vote dominated in the center and south of Italy.

Why it matters

This result is a significant political setback for Meloni's right-wing coalition, which had framed the reform as a key promise since coming to power in 2022, potentially impacting the run-up to the 2027 general elections.