Italy’s Meloni Seemed Unbeatable. A Referendum Defeat Has Dented Her Aura.
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, once seen as politically invincible, faces a significant challenge after voters rejected her judicial reform plan in a recent referendum.
- Meloni, who had maintained a pragmatic and moderate leadership style since taking office in 2022, appeared confident enough to leave much of the referendum campaigning to her allies until weeks before the vote.
- The referendum defeat is viewed by major Italian newspapers as a decisive blow to Meloni's authority, with opposition forces feeling emboldened to regroup and challenge her government.
- The political fallout includes union celebrations, a senior government official's resignation over controversial remarks, and growing speculation about whether this marks a temporary setback or a sustained challenge to Meloni's power.
- Political analysts note that while immediate changes are unlikely, the referendum loss signals shifting dynamics that could undermine Meloni's previously strong position.
