Italy’s governing coalition suffered a surprising blow as voters rejected a constitutional reform in a weekend referendum, handing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a significant political defeat.
Preliminary results showed roughly 54% voting against the proposal and about 46% in favour, with turnout close to 60%.
Early exit polling pointed to a narrow lead for the no camp that widened as counting continued.
The amendment would have enshrined a clearer split between the roles of judges and prosecutors, created separate oversight bodies and introduced a new disciplinary court.
Supporters argued these changes would strengthen judicial independence, while opponents warned they could invite greater political interference and unsettle the post-war balance of powers.
Many voters found the technical details hard to follow, and the referendum increasingly took on the character of a judgment on Meloni’s near three-and-a-half years in office.
The prime minister, who had backed the reform, posted a video before all ballots were tallied saying she would respect the outcome but lamented the missed chance to update Italy’s institutions.
The result marks the first major electoral setback for Meloni’s right-wing government after a period of relative political stability.
Opposition leaders quickly cast the loss as evidence that voters are ready for change ahead of next year’s general election.
Former prime minister Matteo Renzi urged the government to reconnect with public sentiment, saying the defeat showed it had lost momentum.
Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein said the vote proved an alternative to the current administration exists.
Economic stagnation and worries over international developments that could push up energy prices have added to public unease, issues that opponents say have chipped away at the coalition’s appeal.
Analysts say the referendum’s outcome will likely make Meloni and her allies more cautious as they approach national polls.
While Meloni has ruled out resigning, the setback removes some of the political momentum she might have used to pursue further reforms, including proposals to change how the prime minister is elected.
For now, the result has shifted the tone in Rome and given opposition parties fresh confidence going into next year’s vote.
