Giorgia Meloni faces significant political risks as Italy approaches a divisive referendum on her proposed judicial reform, with its outcome potentially threatening her government's stability.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, is nearing a pivotal moment as the nation prepares for a referendum on her proposed constitutional reform concerning the judiciary, scheduled for March 22-23. This referendum comes as a critical test for Meloni, as it is the only significant reform she is attempting to finalize. If it fails to win majority support, particularly with the caveat that 50% of voters must back the initiative for it to pass, it could lead to serious consequences for her administration, including calls for her resignation from within the political sphere.
The proposed reform focuses on the organization of the judiciary, emphasizing the fraught relationship between the judiciary and elected officials in Italy. This relationship has seen escalating tensions, making the debate surrounding the reform not merely legal but also highly political. The reform was initially passed in 2025 but lacked the necessary majority to become law, prompting the need for the referendum. The outcome will not only affect the judicial system but will also serve as a litmus test for Meloni's leadership and the political landscape in Italy.
As the referendum date approaches, the political stakes become higher for Meloni, with speculation rife about how a potential defeat could embolden her critics and opposition parties. The reform is seen as a defining moment for her government, which has already faced scrutiny over its policies. Thus, the referendum is more than just a vote on judicial reform but a broader reflection of public support for her administration and its future direction.
