Italy’s Meloni concedes referendum defeat, calling it ‘a lost opportunity’
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat in a constitutional referendum on her proposed justice reforms, with about 53.5% voting "No" and 46.5% voting "Yes," amid a turnout exceeding 58%.
- Despite the loss, Meloni affirmed her commitment to continue governing and working for the nation's good, calling the referendum result a missed opportunity to modernize Italy.
- The reform sought to separate the roles of judges and prosecutors and overhaul the judiciary’s oversight body to improve impartiality and efficiency, but critics viewed it as a political power grab that undermined judicial independence.
- The referendum campaign was contentious, marked by strong opposition from the judiciary, including a major strike, and controversial statements from government officials accusing parts of the judiciary of corruption and misconduct.
- Key proposed changes included splitting the Superior Council of the Judiciary into two councils for judges and prosecutors, altering member selection processes, and preventing judges and prosecutors from switching roles to reduce conflicts of interest.
