Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has lost a key referendum on a constitutional reform which had turned into a vote on her government. The result gives around 54% to the 'No' campaign and 46% to the 'Yes' vote which Meloni had backed. In a video posted on social media, even before all the ballots were counted, Meloni said Italians had voted 'with clarity' and she would respect their decision, but she regretted a 'lost chance to modernise' the country.
This is the first significant defeat for Meloni and her right-wing coalition, which has overseen a rare period of political stability for Italy. Opposition parties are hailing the result as a sign that voters are looking for change, with a general election due next year. The two-day referendum, held over the weekend, ended with exit polls showing the 'No' vote leading, later confirming substantial support against the reform.
Despite a turnout of nearly 60%, expected to favor the government, it was insufficient to swing the final results. The rejected reform aimed to ensure a firm separation between judges and prosecutors in the constitution, which the government argued was crucial for judicial independence, while opponents claimed it would disrupt the balance of power established post-fascism.
Many Italians reportedly struggled to grasp the technicalities of the proposal, with the vote ultimately becoming a reflection of Meloni's governance over the last three and a half years. Meloni, closely allied with Donald Trump, faced these challenges against a backdrop of a struggling economy and rising energy costs. Nevertheless, Meloni dismissed any notion of resigning, asserting the referendum was not about her but mainly concerned with justice. Following the defeat, political analysts signal that her government has lost its 'magic touch,' calling for a renewed engagement with voters ahead of the elections.
This is the first significant defeat for Meloni and her right-wing coalition, which has overseen a rare period of political stability for Italy. Opposition parties are hailing the result as a sign that voters are looking for change, with a general election due next year. The two-day referendum, held over the weekend, ended with exit polls showing the 'No' vote leading, later confirming substantial support against the reform.
Despite a turnout of nearly 60%, expected to favor the government, it was insufficient to swing the final results. The rejected reform aimed to ensure a firm separation between judges and prosecutors in the constitution, which the government argued was crucial for judicial independence, while opponents claimed it would disrupt the balance of power established post-fascism.
Many Italians reportedly struggled to grasp the technicalities of the proposal, with the vote ultimately becoming a reflection of Meloni's governance over the last three and a half years. Meloni, closely allied with Donald Trump, faced these challenges against a backdrop of a struggling economy and rising energy costs. Nevertheless, Meloni dismissed any notion of resigning, asserting the referendum was not about her but mainly concerned with justice. Following the defeat, political analysts signal that her government has lost its 'magic touch,' calling for a renewed engagement with voters ahead of the elections.
