Italians begin voting in crucial referendum on judicial reform

Sunday 22 March 2026 - 08:00

Italians headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in a pivotal referendum on judicial reform, seen as a major test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing coalition ahead of next year’s general election.

At the heart of the vote is a proposal to amend the constitution by separating the career tracks of judges and public prosecutors, a long-debated issue in Italy’s political landscape. The reform also seeks to divide the country’s judicial governing body into two distinct institutions, aiming to reshape how the judiciary operates.

The referendum follows a heated national campaign, with the government urging voters to support the changes, while opposition parties have strongly opposed them. Critics argue that the reform could weaken judicial independence and open the door to increased political influence over the legal system.

Supporters, however, maintain that the overhaul is necessary to improve transparency and accountability, particularly after past controversies involving the appointment of senior prosecutors. Polling stations will remain open until Monday afternoon, with the outcome expected to have significant political implications.