Meloni fails in referendum on judicial reform in Italy

According to the Epoch Times, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suffered a defeat in the referendum on judicial reform, with more than 54 percent of voters voting against the proposal. After the votes were counted, she conceded the result.

"The Italians have made up their minds. And we respect that decision. But that does not change our determination to continue to work seriously and resolutely for the good of the nation and to fulfill the mandate that has been entrusted to us," she responded.

The reform has been one of the government's main projects since it took office in 2022. Supporters have argued that it is intended to strengthen the independence of judges and prosecutors and make the judiciary more efficient. Critics, however, have pointed to a possible weakening of prosecutorial independence and a lack of solutions to problems such as lengthy trials and overcrowded prisons.

Opposition leader Giuseppe Conte called on Meloni to resign, describing the result as a weakening of the government. Political analysts are talking of a significant loss of political standing for the prime minister, although this does not automatically mean a loss in the next elections, which are scheduled for 2027.

The reform had previously passed through parliament, but needed to be confirmed in a referendum to be valid. Voter turnout was around 59 percent, while Italy does not have a quorum for constitutional referendums to be valid.

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