Giorgia Meloni's government's plan for a new justice reform is facing a strong blow from the constitutional referendum, where the first results show a clear advantage for the "No" camp.
With 51% of the sections counted, the vote against the reform has reached 54.57%, while the voter turnout is close to 59%, a high level for a referendum in Italy.
The result is considered a strong political signal against proposed changes to the justice system, which aimed to reorganize judicial structures and the relationship between prosecutors and judges.
One of the most vocal critics of the reform has been the renowned anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who warned that the proposed changes would not solve real justice problems and could weaken the fight against organized crime.
Meanwhile, the opposition has hailed the result as a political victory and a defense of the Constitution, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has declared that she will respect the citizens' decision and that the government will continue its work regardless of the referendum result.
