Italy's Meloni concedes defeat in referendum
Mar 24, 2026
Rome [Italy], March 24: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a referendum on her judicial reform plan, which was seen as a test of her leadership ahead of next year's parliamentary elections.
In a video posted on Instagram on Monday, the right-wing leader said: "The Italian people have spoken. And we will respect that decision." She spoke of a "missed opportunity to modernize Italy," but said she intended to continue "working for the good of the nation." Meloni had already ruled out stepping down in the event of a defeat.
Figures from the Interior Ministry showed the "No" camp clearly in the lead with 53.8% shortly before the count was completed, while 46.2% were in favour of the reform.
The reform proposed separating the career paths of judges and public prosecutors, in line with practice in most European countries.
Source: Qatar Tribune
