Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has faced her first major political defeat after voters rejected a proposed constitutional reform in a nationwide referendum. Get today's headlines by email Final results showed about 54% of voters opposed the changes, while 46% supported them. The outcome is widely seen as a blow to Meloni’s government after the vote became a broader test of her leadership. Reform Plan RejectedThe proposed reform aimed to introduce a clearer separation between judges and prosecutors within Italy’s legal system. It also included plans for separate governing bodies and a new disciplinary court. The government argued that these measures would strengthen judicial independence. However, opposition parties warned the changes could disrupt long-standing institutional balances and increase political influence over the judiciary. Despite the technical nature of the proposals, turnout reached nearly 60%. Analysts had suggested that higher participation might favour the government, but this did not translate into support for the reform. Vote Seen as Test of LeadershipAlthough Meloni insisted the referendum was about judicial reform rather than her premiership, the campaign increasingly took on the character of a wider judgement on her time in office. Even before the full results were confirmed, she acknowledged the outcome, saying voters had made their decision “with clarity". She also described the result as a missed opportunity to modernise the country. The defeat comes after a period of relative political stability under her right-wing coalition, which had until now avoided significant electoral setbacks. Opposition Senses OpportunityOpposition figures have interpreted the result as a sign of shifting public sentiment ahead of a general election expected next year. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, said the vote demonstrated that an alternative to the current government exists. Former prime minister Matteo Renzi also weighed in, suggesting the government had lost its “momentum” and needed to respond more closely to voters’ concerns. Pressure Builds on GovernmentThe referendum defeat comes at a challenging time for Meloni. Economic concerns remain, with Italy facing sluggish growth and rising worries about energy costs linked to international tensions. Meloni has also maintained close ties with Donald Trump, whose policies and ongoing conflict in the Middle East have drawn mixed reactions in Italy. Unlike Renzi, who resigned after losing a constitutional referendum in 2016, Meloni has ruled out stepping down. However, the latest result has weakened her political standing and raised questions about her government’s future direction. The vote has also likely complicated plans for further institutional reforms, including proposals to introduce the direct election of the prime minister. With elections on the horizon, the outcome marks a significant shift in Italy’s political landscape, leaving Meloni in a more vulnerable position than at any point since taking office. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026
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