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Italy Sets March 22–23 Referendum on Justice Reform

Opponents prepare court challenges over the timetable, with a citizens' petition nearing 500,000 signatures.

Overview

  • The Council of Ministers fixed the vote for Sunday 22 and Monday 23 March, and the presidential decree convening the referendum is pending publication.
  • The measure would separate the careers of judges and prosecutors, split the CSM into two bodies, and create an Alta Corte disciplinare for magistrates.
  • A parallel citizens' initiative opposing the reform has gathered roughly 350–355 thousand signatures and must reach 500,000 by January 30 to be admitted.
  • Promoters of the petition say the government short‑circuited procedures and are readying legal filings, including to the Lazio regional administrative court, which could seek to suspend or delay the vote.
  • The government cites a Cassation ordinance and a 1970 law requiring a date within 60 days as its basis, and the referendum will coincide with two Veneto by‑elections and will be decided by a simple majority with no turnout quorum.