Italy has rejected the proposed constitutional reform of the judiciary, with the NO vote prevailing at around 53.8% and a turnout close to 58%. The referendum, held over two days, focused on a deep restructuring of the judicial system, sparking intense political and institutional debate.
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Why Italians voted: the proposed reform
The referendum aimed to introduce significant changes to the Italian judicial system through constitutional amendments. The proposal included:
- the separation of careers between judges and prosecutors
- the division of the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) into two distinct bodies
- the creation of a new High Court responsible for disciplining magistrates
- the introduction of a random selection system for electing members of the CSM
Supporters of the reform argued that these measures would strengthen impartiality and accountability within the judiciary, reducing internal influence and increasing transparency. Opponents, however, warned that the reform could undermine the independence of the judiciary, altering the balance of powers and exposing magistrates to greater political pressure.
Political positions and public debate
The referendum campaign saw strong divisions across the Italian political landscape. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported the reform, framing it as a necessary step to modernize the judicial system. After the vote, she stated that the government “takes note of the decision of the Italian people” and confirmed that her administration “will continue until the natural end of the term in 2027.”
On the opposite side, Giuseppe Conte welcomed the outcome, describing it as the beginning of “a new phase.” He also announced his intention to propose coalition primaries within the centre-left, aimed at selecting a joint candidate for the 2027 general elections. The debate also involved legal experts, magistrates and public figures, reflecting the high institutional stakes of the reform.
Results and territorial trends
With counting completed, the NO vote reached approximately 53.8%, while the YES side stopped at around 46.2%. The turnout of about 58% indicates significant public engagement, well above the threshold required for validity.
Preliminary analyses suggest a divided electoral map, with urban and politically progressive areas more inclined to reject the reform, while support for the YES vote appeared stronger in other regions. However, the overall result confirms a clear rejection at the national level.
Political consequences and future scenarios
The outcome is likely to have relevant implications for Italy’s political landscape. For the government, the defeat represents a setback on a key institutional reform, but not a destabilizing one. Meloni has already ruled out any resignation, reaffirming the continuity of her executive.
For the opposition, the result could act as a catalyst for political reorganization. Conte’s proposal for primaries signals an attempt to consolidate the centre-left and build a more competitive coalition ahead of the next elections.
More broadly, the referendum highlights the central role of institutional reforms in Italian politics, confirming that constitutional changes remain highly sensitive and deeply contested.
