Overview
- The TAR del Lazio dismissed the appeal by 15 jurists as unfounded, confirming the referendum dates of 22–23 March set by the government.
- Judges issued a simplified merits ruling, classifying the scheduling act as administrative and validating reliance on Article 15 of Law 352/1970 to count 60 days from the first admitted request.
- More than 550,000 signatures supporting a citizen initiative were deposited at the Court of Cassation, which must verify the petition and may examine the partially different question.
- An Ixè poll conducted January 20–27 finds a virtual tie (Yes 50.1%, No 49.9%), with limited public awareness and about 48% of respondents certain they will vote; a confirmatory referendum does not require a quorum.
- Political reactions split along campaign lines, with government allies welcoming the decision and No committees pledging to press their case as Cassazione review proceeds.