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.
Meloni has sought to mobilize younger voters, appearing on the popular Pulp podcast and addressing them directly. Despite the lack of a minimum turnout requirement for this referendum, the 'no' campaign already enjoys backing from trade unions, complicating Meloni's efforts.
The proposed reforms focus on the separation of judges and prosecutors and enhancing their accountability but may not tackle the chronic overload in Italy's judicial system, which has some of the longest-running trials in the EU. Critics fear the changes reflect a maneuver by Meloni's government to gain political control over the judiciary, a concern intensified by her previous political stances.
As the referendum approaches, many Italians express confusion over the implications of the proposed changes. While some supporters of the reform argue for its necessity, several opposition factions remain staunchly against it, viewing it as a risk to Italy's democratic foundations established post-fascism.
In the lead-up to the vote, Meloni must overcome significant opposition and clarify her vision for Italy’s judiciary system, all while maintaining her political standing in a challenging geopolitical and economically tough environment.
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.
Meloni has sought to mobilize younger voters, appearing on the popular Pulp podcast and addressing them directly. Despite the lack of a minimum turnout requirement for this referendum, the 'no' campaign already enjoys backing from trade unions, complicating Meloni's efforts.
The proposed reforms focus on the separation of judges and prosecutors and enhancing their accountability but may not tackle the chronic overload in Italy's judicial system, which has some of the longest-running trials in the EU. Critics fear the changes reflect a maneuver by Meloni's government to gain political control over the judiciary, a concern intensified by her previous political stances.
As the referendum approaches, many Italians express confusion over the implications of the proposed changes. While some supporters of the reform argue for its necessity, several opposition factions remain staunchly against it, viewing it as a risk to Italy's democratic foundations established post-fascism.
In the lead-up to the vote, Meloni must overcome significant opposition and clarify her vision for Italy’s judiciary system, all while maintaining her political standing in a challenging geopolitical and economically tough environment.
