Italian Government Sets Date for Referendum on Justice Reform
The Council of Ministers has announced that the referendum on the constitutional reform of justice will take place on Sunday, March 22nd, and Monday, March 23rd, 2026. This decision was made after a failed attempt to hold the referendum on December 29th. The government has chosen a date that falls between the initially proposed March 1st and the opposition’s requested date in April.
According to Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, the chosen date allows for a compromise between the majority and opposition. However, the No committees have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, threatening to appeal. The president of the ‘Sì Separa’ Committee of the Einaudi Foundation, Gian Domenico Caiazza, has welcomed the decision, stating that it allows for better organization of the referendum campaign.
Reactions from Opposition and Committee Members
John Bachelet, president of the Civil Society Committee for the No, has criticized the government’s decision, calling it a “signal of fear” and a “further declaration of disinterest towards public opinion.” Carlo Guglielmi, spokesperson of the committee promoting the collection of popular signatures for the referendum on Justice, has also expressed disappointment, stating that the government has ignored the Constitution and mocked the over 350,000 citizens who signed the petition.
The Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Foti, has responded to the criticism, saying that the possibility of appeals is not lacking in Italy, but the problem is getting them accepted. When asked about the potential consequences of an appeal being accepted, Foti replied, “If my grandfather were a train…” The government’s decision has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it undermines the democratic process and others seeing it as a necessary step towards reform.
Supplementary Elections to Fill Vacant Seats
In addition to the referendum, supplementary elections will be held on the same date to fill the two seats in the Chamber left vacant by the governor of Veneto, Alberto Stefani, and the councilor of his council, Massimo Bitonci. Both had entered Montecitorio after winning in single-member constituencies.
The upcoming referendum and elections are expected to have significant implications for the country’s justice system and political landscape. As the debate continues, citizens are encouraged to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard. For more information, visit Here