Italy is preparing for a constitutional referendum on March 22–23 that would implement a government-led overhaul of the justice system, a reform that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has insisted is a matter of common sense rather than partisan politics. In an interview with TG24, Meloni emphasized that the changes aim to modernize the judiciary and improve accountability, rather than serve the interests of her government or any political faction. She framed the referendum as an opportunity for Italians to make a decision that affects the justice system itself, rather than a vote on her government’s tenure.
La riforma della Giustizia non è né di destra né di sinistra, ma di semplice buonsenso. pic.twitter.com/M3juzNobyG
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) February 20, 2026
Meloni argued that the proposed reform is not right-wing or left-wing, pointing to decades of support from various political groups for similar measures. She highlighted that the reform separates the careers of judges and public prosecutors, ending the current system in which both roles share a single entry exam and career path, and creating two independent High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) bodies—one for judges, one for prosecutors—with members partially selected by lottery. A new High Disciplinary Court would oversee misconduct cases, she explained, ensuring that magistrates are judged by independent bodies if mistakes occur.
The prime minister stressed the importance of keeping the referendum campaign focused on the merits of the reform, cautioning against attempts to turn it into a political battle over her government. “It’s obvious that I believe in democracy—unlike others, I’m not one who clings to power if the Italians don’t want me to continue to govern this nation,” she said. Meloni encouraged voter participation, noting that high turnout is critical for an informed decision on the referendum.
Meloni also addressed criticisms portraying the reform in alarmist terms, insisting that it is designed to benefit the justice system and Italians themselves. She noted that many magistrates and experts support the changes, emphasizing that the reform is intended to modernize the judiciary and improve impartiality by reducing factional influence. She urged voters to consider the long-term impact of the reform on Italian justice rather than focusing on government politics.
Italy has debated separating judicial careers for decades, and supporters argue the reform will bring the system more in line with other European democracies, while critics warn it could weaken judicial independence and politicize prosecutions. The referendum follows parliamentary approval of the reform, as the government did not secure the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional change, making a confirmatory referendum necessary.
With polls showing a close race and voter turnout expected to be decisive, Meloni reiterated that the referendum is about justice, not about her government. “Go vote, but vote with conscience, looking at what you are voting for and nothing else,” she said, underscoring her message that the reform serves Italy’s interests, not political expediency.
The upcoming referendum represents a significant moment for Italy’s justice system, potentially reshaping judicial accountability and career structures for decades to come.
