Italy PM Meloni breaks silence after voters reject key judicial reform

WorldPolitics
24 Mar 2026 • 3:28 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Italian voters rejected a key judicial reform backed by Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative government, with the 'No' campaign securing almost 54% of the vote.
  • The two-day ballot saw a higher-than-anticipated turnout of nearly 59%, indicating significant public engagement.
  • Meloni acknowledged the outcome, expressing regret for a 'missed opportunity to modernise Italy' but affirmed her intention to complete her mandate until 2027.
  • The reform, aimed at streamlining Italy's judicial system, was opposed by the centre-left and legal groups who argued it threatened judicial independence and concentrated power in the executive.
  • The defeat is seen as a blow to Meloni's leadership and provides a significant boost to the centre-left opposition, which is now seeking to present a united front ahead of next year's national elections.

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