Italy PM Meloni breaks silence after voters reject key judicial reform

• Italian voters rejected a key judicial reform backed by Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative government, with the 'No' campaign securing almost 54% of the vote.
• The two-day ballot saw a higher-than-anticipated turnout of nearly 59%, indicating significant public engagement.
• Meloni acknowledged the outcome, expressing regret for a 'missed opportunity to modernise Italy' but affirmed her intention to complete her mandate until 2027.
• The reform, aimed at streamlining Italy's judicial system, was opposed by the centre-left and legal groups who argued it threatened judicial independence and concentrated power in the executive.
• The defeat is seen as a blow to Meloni's leadership and provides a significant boost to the centre-left opposition, which is now seeking to present a united front ahead of next year's national elections.

IN FULL

Giorgia Meloni suffers blow as Italian voters reject key reforms