Referendum result could tarnish PM’s reputation and make winning next year’s general election more challenging
Italian voters have rejected an overhaul of the country’s judiciary pushed by the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, an outcome that is expected to tarnish her reputation and make winning next year’s general election more challenging.
In a two-day referendum, almost 54% of voters said no to the plans to reorganise the judiciary, compared with about 46% for the yes camp.
The result was driven by younger voters, with 61% of 18- to 34-year-olds snubbing the proposals, according to data from the pollster Opinio for the state broadcaster Rai. Days before the referendum, Meloni had turned to an irreverent podcast hosted by a rapper in an effort to sway young voters.
On Monday afternoon as the results came through, Meloni said: “The Italians have decided and we respect this decision. We will move forward, as we always have done, with responsibility, determination and respect towards the Italian people and Italy.”
