Meloni Loses Key Referendum Ahead of 2027 Italian Election

Giorgia Meloni casts her ballot in a referendum on judicial reform, in Rome, March 23.

Photographer: Valentina Stefanelli/LaPresse/AP Photo

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat in a national referendum to overhaul Italy’s judicial system, which became a vote on the leader herself.

With 99% of the ballots counted, about 53.7% of Italians voted “No,” according to interior ministry figures. Around 46.3% voted “Yes.”