EditJustice referendum: ‘no’ wins with high turnout, delivering a clear setback to Meloni’s reform
The result marks the end of what had been a remarkably smooth period for the Italian PM domestically, exposing vulnerabilities in her reform ambitions
In a significant political blow to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing government, Italian voters have decisively rejected the constitutional justice reform in a confirmatory referendum held on 22-23 March 2026.
With turnout reaching approximately 58.5% – unusually high for this type of vote – the No side prevailed with a consolidated margin of 52.5% to 54%, according to real counts and projections from two-thirds of polling stations. The Yes committee has already conceded defeat.
The result marks the end of what had been a remarkably smooth period for Meloni domestically. Since taking power, she had enjoyed a prolonged “honeymoon” phase, with strong internal cohesion within her majority, limited major scandals, and the ability to advance key agenda items without serious domestic pushback. This referendum, however, represents the first major popular rejection of a flagship initiative, exposing vulnerabilities in her reform ambitions and forcing a more cautious approach going forward.
A sharp territorial and political divide
The vote revealed a clear north-south and urban-rural fracture. Yes carried four northern regions – Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Valle d’Aosta – while No dominated almost everywhere else, posting particularly strong results in major cities: 61% in Rome, 58% in Milan, 65% in Turin, and a striking 76% in Naples. Campania recorded the highest No share at 67%, while Veneto remained the most supportive area for the reform.
An instant poll by YouTrend for Sky TG24 showed that 69% of voters based their choice on the content of the reform itself, rather than purely political allegiance (28%). Supporters of Yes were most motivated by the proposed separation of careers between judges and prosecutors; opponents prioritised caution over constitutional change.
The reform in question
The rejected package amended seven articles of the Constitution (87, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 110). Its core elements included:
- Strict separation of careers between magistrates (judges) and public prosecutors;
- Creation of two distinct Higher Councils of the Judiciary;
- Establishment of a High Disciplinary Court.
Parliament had approved the text in October 2025 without the two-thirds majority required to avoid a referendum, sending it directly to the people for confirmation.
Meloni’s response and the end of the honeymoon
Meloni reacted promptly via video on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The Italians have decided and we respect this decision.” She added, however, that the government would continue its work “out of respect for the mandate received.” Majority figures moved quickly to downplay the impact: Fratelli d’Italia chamber leader Galeazzo Bignami insisted the outcome “does not affect the fate of the executive,” while Senate leader Lucio Malan reminded critics that the reform had been part of the electoral programme.
Opposition leaders were far less restrained. Matteo Renzi, recalling his own 2016 constitutional referendum defeat that led to his resignation, declared: “When the people speak, the palace must listen,” and urged Meloni to draw the necessary political consequences. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the result as an “eviction notice” for the government.
A setback with broader implications
While the defeat does not immediately threaten the government’s stability, it significantly narrows Meloni’s room for manoeuvre on constitutional matters. Structural justice reforms will now require broader, cross-party consensus that has so far proven elusive. The “stop” to the reform also removes a potential point of tension with European institutions over judicial independence and the rule of law – at least in the short term – but it may weaken perceptions of Italy’s reform capacity in ongoing EU negotiations.
For Meloni personally, the result punctures the aura of invincibility she had maintained internally for over two years. Her long domestic honeymoon – characterised by solid parliamentary majorities, favourable polling, and limited effective opposition – appears to have reached a turning point. The high turnout and clear popular rejection signal that even a government with strong internal discipline cannot take public consent for granted on sensitive institutional changes.
The outcome reopens a deeply divisive debate on the Italian justice system and serves as a reminder that, in a confirmatory referendum, the final word belongs to the voters. For Giorgia Meloni, the task now is to regroup, recalibrate her reform agenda, and navigate a more contested political landscape than she has faced since entering Palazzo Chigi.
Caption: People stage a protest to celebrate the results of the government-backed justice reform referendum, in Naples Italy, 23 March 2026. Final projections indicate a decisive victory for the ‘No’ camp, which secured approximately 54 percent of the vote, with the ‘Yes’ vote at only 46 percent. EPA/CIRO FUSCO
Updated: March 24, 2026 - 06:27
