The rejection of the judicial reform referendum in Italy has triggered a series of high-level resignations in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Following two departures from the Justice Ministry, Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè also stepped down at the prime minister’s request.

Political repercussions are unfolding in Italy after voters rejected the judicial reform in a referendum held on March 22–23. Widely described as the government’s “first serious defeat,” the outcome has led to a wave of resignations within the cabinet and state administration.

The first resignation came from Deputy Justice Minister Andrea Delmastro, who stepped down following allegations that he had business ties with an individual linked to organised crime through a restaurant investment in Rome. In a written statement, Delmastro said he had acted responsibly despite not committing any wrongdoing.

According to Italian media reports, Delmastro allegedly held shares jointly with the daughter of Andrea Caroccia, who had been convicted for links to the Camorra mafia. Delmastro denied any misconduct, stating that he divested his shares upon learning of the connection.

He had previously faced trial for disclosing classified information related to an anarchist detainee and received a suspended prison sentence.

Another resignation followed from Giusi Bartolozzi, Chief of Staff at the Justice Ministry. Bartolozzi had drawn public backlash over remarks made during the referendum campaign, in which she described judges as an “execution squad.” She was also under scrutiny for allegations that she had provided misleading information to prosecutors in a separate case involving a Libyan official wanted by the International Criminal Court.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accepted the resignations and called on Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè—who faces allegations of corruption and fraud—to step down as well.

Santanchè steps down

Following the prime minister’s request, Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè submitted her resignation. In a letter addressed to Meloni, she stated that she had carried out her duties to the best of her ability and emphasised that she had no criminal record.

Santanchè also said she did not wish to be made a scapegoat for the referendum defeat but ultimately complied with the prime minister’s request. She acknowledged feeling some bitterness over the premature end of her tenure, but stressed that the future of the political movement takes precedence.

President Sergio Mattarella signed the decree accepting Santanchè’s resignation and temporarily assigning her duties to Prime Minister Meloni, according to a statement from the presidential palace.

Referendum results

The constitutional reform proposed by the Meloni government aimed to restructure the judiciary, including limiting transitions between judges and prosecutors and revising oversight bodies. According to Interior Ministry data, turnout in the referendum stood at 58.9 per cent among 51.4 million registered voters. A total of 53 per cent voted “No,” rejecting the reform. The result is widely seen as a significant political setback for Meloni’s government, which has been in power for nearly four years.