Italy's Constitutional Referendum: A Test for PM Meloni

Sun Mar 22 2026 02:54:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As Italy prepares for a crucial constitutional referendum, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces scrutiny and opposition. Young voters are targeted in her campaign, but the outcome could shape the future of her leadership.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing for a 'yes' vote in a referendum that proposes changing the constitution to reform the judicial system. Amidst strong opposition branded as a threat to democracy, Meloni aims to secure support from younger voters through unconventional appearances, including a podcast with social media influencers. With low turnout potentially favoring the 'no' camp, the referendum has become personal for Meloni, whose political future may hinge on the outcome. The scenario reflects a challenging political climate as Italians grapple with rising costs and dissatisfaction with the government.

In her push for a 'yes' vote in this weekend's constitutional referendum, Italy's prime minister has been reaching for new audiences.

On Thursday, Giorgia Meloni sat at the mic between a popular rapper and a personal trainer-turned-podcaster to urge Italians to vote for a judicial system she promised would be 'more just' for all.

Opposition parties have been busy too, styling the 'historic' reform proposed by the right-wing government as a threat to democracy, and turning it into a protest vote against Meloni's rule.

In power for three-and-a-half years, close to a record in a land of shaky coalitions, Meloni prides herself on bringing stability to Italy. But as this referendum has become increasingly personalised, she could be facing her first significant defeat.

'She wants to win. If she loses, there will be an impact and she understands that,' political scientist Roberto D'Alimonte of Luiss University explains.

'She needs to mobilise her voters to have a better chance to win this race. But it's going to be touch and go.'

That's why the prime minister joined rapper Fedez and Mr Marra on their podcast, Pulp.

Swapping her usual one-tone trouser suit for a woolly jumper with sparkles, Meloni fielded questions for an hour from the tattoo-covered rapper and his popular co-host. The engagement was meant to encourage younger voters to the polls.

Recent polls suggested that low participation would favour those against the reform. So on air Meloni set out her case for 'yes' with trademark gusto.

She said changes to how Italy's judges and prosecutors work would make the system 'more meritocratic, more responsible, more efficient'.

'If you vote 'no' today just to send Meloni home, you'll find yourself keeping both Meloni and a justice system that doesn't work,' the prime minister said, emphasizing that the reform was about the country's future.

Despite significant opposition, the referendum could lead to a stronger political position for Meloni if successful. However, many voters remain wary as they question the implications of changing a constitution rooted in the lessons learned from Italy's historical authoritarian past.