Italy Rejects Meloni’s Judicial Overhaul in Referendum

Overview

• Interior Ministry figures show the nationwide vote, finalized Monday, gave about 53%–54% to “No” with turnout near 59%.
• Giorgia Meloni said she respects the result and will stay in office, and she does not plan to seek a parliamentary confidence vote.
• Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said Tuesday he assumes political responsibility for the defeat, and two senior Justice Ministry officials resigned after separate controversies.
• The plan would have split the careers of judges and prosecutors, reworked the judiciary’s governing council (CSM) that handles appointments and discipline, and set up a new 15-member disciplinary court with members chosen by a mix of presidential picks, parliamentary lists, and lottery.
• Younger voters turned out in high numbers and leaned “No,” while Italians abroad in South America and Brazil largely backed “Yes,” a split that energized opposition parties and unions that quickly moved to rally supporters.