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 defeat marks the first significant blow for Meloni's right-wing coalition, during a period that has otherwise seen political stability in Italy. Opposition parties are viewing the result as a clear indication that voters are seeking change, with national elections approaching next year.
Despite initial exit polls showing a close race, the final count revealed a decisive victory for the 'No' campaign. Turnout was nearly 60%, a figure that had been expected to bolster the government's chances but ultimately did not suffice. The proposed reform, which aimed to establish a firm separation between judges and prosecutors in the constitution, was deemed critical by the government in enhancing judicial independence. However, critics argued it risked undermining the delicate balance of powers in Italy, a point strengthened by the voting outcome.
Many Italians found the technical aspects of the referendum challenging to grasp, leading to a perception that the vote was less about the specifics of judicial reform and more about Meloni's leadership. The timing of this loss is particularly challenging as Meloni, a key ally of Donald Trump, contends with the fallout of the ongoing wars affecting energy costs in Italy.
In light of the referendum's outcome, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi remarked that Meloni's government needed to reconnect with voters to regain momentum. Without a clear path forward, Meloni faces increasing pressure as the opposition highlights the defeat as an opening for alternative governance ahead of the upcoming elections.Collection.
Despite initial exit polls showing a close race, the final count revealed a decisive victory for the 'No' campaign. Turnout was nearly 60%, a figure that had been expected to bolster the government's chances but ultimately did not suffice. The proposed reform, which aimed to establish a firm separation between judges and prosecutors in the constitution, was deemed critical by the government in enhancing judicial independence. However, critics argued it risked undermining the delicate balance of powers in Italy, a point strengthened by the voting outcome.
Many Italians found the technical aspects of the referendum challenging to grasp, leading to a perception that the vote was less about the specifics of judicial reform and more about Meloni's leadership. The timing of this loss is particularly challenging as Meloni, a key ally of Donald Trump, contends with the fallout of the ongoing wars affecting energy costs in Italy.
In light of the referendum's outcome, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi remarked that Meloni's government needed to reconnect with voters to regain momentum. Without a clear path forward, Meloni faces increasing pressure as the opposition highlights the defeat as an opening for alternative governance ahead of the upcoming elections.Collection.
