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.
Articles
- Giorgia Meloni loses justice referendum www.ft.com
- Giorgia Meloni’s big electoral setback in Italy www.economist.com
- The end of Meloni's invincibility? Italian papers react to her failed referendum www.france24.com