Italy's Judicial Reform Referendum Set for March 22-23

ROME — Italians are set to vote on March 22 and 23 in a national referendum on judicial reform that could challenge the political authority of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and reshape the country's fragmented opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ballot proposes separating the careers of judges and public prosecutors, a change that would divide the self-governing High Council of the Judiciary, known as the CSM, into two distinct bodies. Under the plan, members of these bodies would be selected by lot rather than through elections, aiming to address longstanding issues in judicial governance. Unlike previous referendums, this vote requires no minimum turnout to be valid, ensuring the result will stand regardless of participation levels.

What began as a technical overhaul of the judiciary has evolved into a high-stakes political contest. The government, led by Meloni's Brothers of Italy party alongside the League and Forza Italia, supports a Yes vote to enact the reforms. The opposition, including the Democratic Party and the 5-Star Movement, urges a No, arguing the changes could undermine judicial independence. Analysts note that public awareness of the specifics...