Italy to Hold 2026 Constitutional Referendum on Institutional Reforms

Italy is set to hold a constitutional referendum in 2026 on 22 and 23 March on a major package of institutional reforms proposed by the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The vote will determine whether changes to the structure of the executive branch, including the method of selecting the prime minister, will be incorporated into the Italian Constitution.

The reform, often described as a move toward “premierato” (direct premiership), was approved by Parliament in two successive readings but did not reach the two-thirds majority required to avoid a confirmatory referendum. As a result, Italian voters will have the final say.

Core of the Reform

The central proposal would introduce the direct election of the prime minister by voters. Under the current system, the prime minister is appointed by the President of the Republic and must secure confidence votes in both chambers of Parliament. Governments can fall if they lose parliamentary support, a feature that has contributed to frequent changes of government in post-war Italy.

Supporters argue that direct election would enhance political stability, strengthen democratic accountability, and reduce backroom coalition negotiations. The reform package also includes mechanisms intended to ensure that the winning coalition receives a parliamentary majority sufficient to govern.

Political Context

The reform is a flagship initiative of Meloni’s governing coalition, led by the far right-wing party Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia). The government maintains that Italy’s political system has long been marked by instability, citing the high number of governments since 1946 as evidence that structural change is needed.

Opposition parties, including the centre-left Democratic Party (Partito Democratico), have criticized the proposal as a concentration of power in the executive branch. Critics warn that weakening parliamentary checks could disrupt the constitutional balance established after World War II. Some constitutional scholars have also expressed concern that the reform may alter the role of the President of the Republic and reduce the flexibility of coalition politics.

Referendum Procedure

Under Article 138 of the Italian Constitution, constitutional amendments approved by Parliament without a two-thirds majority must be submitted to a referendum if requested by members of Parliament, regional councils, or 500,000 voters. In such referendums, there is no turnout quorum: the proposal passes if it receives a majority of valid votes cast.

The 2026 referendum will therefore serve as a decisive test of public support for institutional restructuring. It follows a history of high-profile constitutional referendums in Italy, including votes in 2006 and 2016, both of which rejected proposed reforms.

Broader Implications

The outcome of the referendum could significantly reshape Italy’s political architecture. A “Yes” vote would mark one of the most substantial constitutional revisions in decades, potentially shifting Italy toward a more majoritarian and executive-centered model. A “No” vote would reaffirm the existing parliamentary framework and represent a political setback for the government.

As the referendum campaign approaches, the debate is expected to focus not only on questions of stability and efficiency, but also on constitutional safeguards and the long-term balance of power within the Italian Republic.

Source:

Italy to hold referendum on judicial reform on March 22-23 | Reuters