A Powerful Slap to Politicians Seeking to Seize the Judiciary

Judicial Reform Move

A powerful blow has been dealt to politicians attempting to seize control of the judiciary through a judicial reform initiative aimed at altering the structure of the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors.

Meloni’s Plan

In Italy, during the judicial reform referendum held on March 22–23, 2026, supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and described as the “Nordio Reform,” Italians delivered a strong rebuke at the ballot box by rejecting the constitutional amendment package.

The Italian Electorate

The referendum aimed to completely separate the career paths of judges and prosecutors and to restructure the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (CSM), with members to be selected by lottery. However, the Italian electorate turned out in higher-than-expected numbers—around 59%—and voted “No” with 53.2%, thereby rejecting the reform.

The Meloni Government

Rather than being a purely technical judicial arrangement, this referendum turned into a “vote of confidence” for the Meloni government. While the government framed the reform as a step to modernize the system and safeguard the judiciary from politicization, opposition parties and legal circles characterized it as a threat to judicial independence and an attempt by the executive to bring the judiciary under its control.

Meloni’s “Invincible” Image Shaken

This marked the first significant political defeat for Meloni since coming to power in 2022, shaking her “invincible” image and exposing cracks within the right-wing coalition.

2027 Political Calculations

Ahead of the general elections scheduled for 2027, political calculations may need to be reconsidered. Although Meloni has stated she will not resign and will remain in office until the end of her term, the political atmosphere created by the referendum is likely to weaken her influence both domestically and within the European Union. Meanwhile, the opposition—particularly the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement—has gained momentum and raised its political ambitions.

Challenging Days Ahead

Italy and Meloni now face intense political struggles, while additional challenges loom due to potential energy and economic pressures stemming from a possible Iran–US–Israel conflict.