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Italy Sets March 22–23 Referendum on Magistrates Reform as 500,000-Signature Drive Spurs Legal Fight

A rapid 500,000-signature petition now creates a formal committee that is asking judges to halt the government's accelerated timetable.

Overview

  • President Sergio Mattarella signed the decree calling the confirmatory referendum for March 22–23 on the reform separating prosecutorial and judging careers.
  • An online citizen initiative reached the 500,000-signature threshold, enabling deposit with the Court of Cassation and granting promoter status, media parity and campaign reimbursements.
  • The petition’s promoters filed a challenge at the Lazio regional administrative court seeking suspension and annulment of the date, with a hearing set for January 27.
  • Opposition parties including the Democratic Party, Five Star Movement and Green–Left Alliance requested an urgent briefing from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to press for a postponement.
  • The government cites the 1970 law’s 60‑day timetable, while opponents argue past practice allowed a full three months for citizen initiatives and contend the Cassation should consider their proposed ballot wording.