Italians began voting Sunday in a referendum on a contested judicial reform proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a key test for her right-wing coalition. The two-day vote is being widely viewed as a de facto confidence vote on the government.
The referendum has become a pivotal moment for Meloni’s premiership, with polls indicating a tight race. The campaign has been marked by inflammatory rhetoric, including a flyer circulated online quoting Meloni criticizing judges and feminists, which was later removed from her party’s Facebook page.
Many voters find the complex proposal difficult to understand. The outcome will be closely watched as a potential indicator ahead of general elections due next year.