Italians Vote on Judicial Reform in Landmark Referendum

Meloni Government Faces Test in Judicial Reform Vote

March 22, 2026

Italians Vote on Controversial Judicial Reform in Constitutional Referendum

Fifth Constitutional Referendum in Italy’s History

Italian citizens began casting their votes on Sunday in a two-day referendum on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s proposed judicial reform, which would restructure the country’s justice system by separating judges from public prosecutors.

The vote is widely viewed as a test of confidence in the Meloni government. Earlier this month, the prime minister released a video urging Italians to support the constitutional changes in the referendum.

Key Proposals in the Referendum

Voters are asked to decide on a constitutional amendment that would:

  • Introduce a formal separation between judges and prosecutors.
  • Split the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) into two independent bodies.
  • Select members by sortition (random selection) rather than traditional elections.
  • Establish a High Disciplinary Court to oversee disciplinary proceedings of magistrates.

The constitutional bill received Senate approval on October 30, 2025.

Political Divide on Reform

Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party (PD), the Five Star Movement (M5S), and The Green and Left Alliance (AVS), have launched “No” campaigns, claiming the reform could concentrate excessive power in the government’s hands.

Supporters, including the governing coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), and the Action Party, argue that the reform will curb factional influence within the judiciary and ensure that experienced magistrates oversee disciplinary matters.

Voting Schedule

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday and will close at 11 p.m. (2200 GMT). Voting continues on Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The outcome will mark the fifth constitutional referendum in the history of the Italian Republic.
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