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Italy Heads to Referendum on Judicial Overhaul as Race Tightens

The vote tests Giorgia Meloni's bid to recast the judiciary with consequences for Italy's power balance.

Overview

  • Voters will decide on March 22–23 whether to approve a constitutional reform that Parliament passed last October without the two‑thirds majority required to take effect directly.
  • The plan would split the career tracks of judges and prosecutors, create separate self‑governing councils, select members partly by lottery from parliamentary lists, and set up a new disciplinary court.
  • Supporters, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, argue the changes will speed proceedings and curb bias, with Meloni staging late campaign rallies for a Yes vote.
  • Opponents — judicial associations, most opposition parties and President Sergio Mattarella — warn the package weakens safeguards and increases political leverage over magistrates.
  • Final polls before the blackout showed a knife‑edge contest after an earlier Yes lead eroded, and Meloni has said she will stay in office if the reform is rejected.