On March 22–23, 2026, Italian citizens will vote in a constitutional referendum on a justice reform proposed by the government, often referred to as the “Nordio reform.”

The referendum will determine whether to confirm or reject a constitutional amendment approved by Parliament in 2025 that changes several rules governing the organisation of the judiciary.

Because the reform did not receive a two-thirds majority in Parliament, a confirmatory referendum was requested, allowing citizens to decide whether the reform should enter into force.

What the Reform Proposes

The reform introduces several important changes to the Italian judicial system.

In particular, it proposes: the separation of careers between judges and public prosecutors; the creation of two separate High Councils of the Judiciary (CSM): one for judges and one for prosecutors; the establishment of a new High Disciplinary Court for ordinary magistrates, which would handle disciplinary proceedings. The reform modifies several articles of the Italian Constitution concerning the structure and functioning of the judiciary.

Main Constitutional Changes

Among the main changes are:

Article 87

The President of the Republic would continue to preside over the High Council of the Judiciary, but in this case over two separate councils, one for judges and one for prosecutors.

Article 102

The principle of separate career paths for judges and prosecutors would be formally introduced into the Constitution.

Articles 104 and 105

The organization of the High Council of the Judiciary would change, and a new High Disciplinary Court would be created to deal with disciplinary cases involving magistrates.

Articles 106, 107, and 110

These articles would be amended to regulate issues related to magistrates’ careers, transfers, and the relationship between the Minister of Justice and the judicial self-governing bodies.

Arguments in Favor of the Reform (YES)

Supporters of the Yes vote argue that the reform would improve the balance of the judicial system.

According to them: the separation of careers would strengthen the impartiality of judges with respect to prosecutors; having two separate High Councils would provide clearer governance of the different roles within the judiciary; the new disciplinary court could make disciplinary procedures more efficient. Parties in the center-right governing coalition, as well as some liberal political groups, have expressed support for the reform.

Arguments Against the Reform (NO)

Supporters of the No vote argue that the reform could weaken the independence of the judiciary.

According to critics: separating the careers of judges and prosecutors could alter the balance of the judicial system established by the Constitution; dividing the High Council of the Judiciary into multiple bodies would change the traditional model of judicial self-governance; the new disciplinary court might reduce the role of the CSM in overseeing disciplinary matters.

Several opposition parties and the National Association of Magistrates (ANM) have expressed opposition to the reform.

When the Vote Takes Place

Voting will take place on:

Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Monday, March 23, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This is a constitutional referendum, which means no turnout quorum is required.

The reform will be approved or rejected based on the majority of valid votes cast.