Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a constitutional referendum on judicial reform, while reaffirming that she will continue to lead the government.
The referendum was held on March 22 and 23 to gauge public opinion on key changes, including separating the career tracks of judges and lawyers. Voter turnout crossed 58%, higher than expected.
According to the results, 46.5% backed the government’s position while 53.5% voted against it, handing the reform proposal a loss.
In a video statement, Meloni said Italians had made their choice and that her government would respect the outcome. She described the result as a “lost opportunity” to modernise Italy.
She added that the vote would not alter the responsibilities entrusted to her, and argued that ongoing steps remain necessary to ensure neutrality and improve the functioning of what she called Italy’s troubled justice system.
