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Italian referendum defeat challenges Giorgia Meloni's authority

Mar 24th 2026 · Italy

Italian newspapers interpreted Monday's nearly 54 percent No vote on judicial reform as a setback for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while European press also covered Lionel Jospin's death and an FT probe into Hungary.

  • Nearly 54 percent of voters rejected the proposed judicial reform in Monday's referendum.
  • Opposition newspapers presented the result as a clear rebuke to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
  • Right wing papers described the outcome as either preservation of the existing system or the product of a misleading campaign.
  • French front pages were dominated by the death of former prime minister Lionel Jospin at age 88.
  • The Financial Times reported alleged misuse of public funds by associates of Hungarian premier Viktor Orban ahead of April 12 elections.