A referendum to change the Italian justice system was defeated at the polls.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat in a justice reform referendum, with nearly 54% voting “No” and just over 46% voting “Yes.” Despite insisting the vote was not about her leadership, analysts say the loss significantly weakens her politically and undermines one of her long‑standing manifesto priorities. Critics argued the reform sought to increase political control over the judiciary and failed to address systemic issues like lengthy trials and case backlogs. The defeat has energized opposition parties, with some calling it an “eviction notice” for the government ahead of next year’s elections

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https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/exit-polls-suggest-italys-meloni-has-narrowly-lost-justice-referendum-vote-2026-03-23/