The Italian government lost the referendum. Opposition supporters took to the streets

Ashley Davis24/03/2026

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The reform proposed by the government was aimed at a profound reconstruction of the Italian justice system. It assumed separating the careers of judges and prosecutors so that they could not change these functions, as well as replacing the Supreme Council of the Judiciary with two separate councils. However, citizens rejected these changes – 53.7% were against the reform. voters in the referendum.

Protests took place on Monday in Rome, Milan, Bologna and Naples. Demonstrators carried banners with slogans calling for respect for the constitution. “The nation said no,” “Leave the constitution alone,” we read on the protesters' banners. The participants of the demonstration demanded respect for the will of voters expressed in the referendum and the resignation of the Italian Prime Minister, who had conducted an intensive campaign to support the changes.

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Giorgia Meloni comments on the citizens' decision

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the referendum result, emphasizing that the government respects the citizens' decision. — Sovereignty belongs to the people, and Italians made it clear today. The government did what it promised; he carried out the reform of the justice system, which was included in our electoral program. We supported it until the end, and then we gave the decision to the citizens, and the citizens decided. And we, as always, respect their decision, Meloni said.

The head of the Italian government also admitted that she felt sorry for the failed attempt to introduce changes. – Of course, we remain regretful about the missed opportunity to modernize Italy, but this does not change our commitment to continue working with seriousness and determination for the good of the nation and fulfill the mandate entrusted to us, added the Prime Minister.

In Milan, the vote against the reform prevailed, which made the city stand out from the rest of the region. The capital of Lombardy turned out to be the only city in the area where the voice of opposition to the government's proposal won.

Italians on the streetsLara Sirignano / PAP