Italy's Meloni Concedes Defeat in Justice Reform Referendum

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a referendum on her justice reforms, confirming she will continue as prime minister despite the setback.

With almost all votes counted, the provisional result showed the 'No' camp at about 53.5 percent, and 'Yes' at about 46.5 percent, with a higher-than-expected turnout of more than 58 percent.

Meloni stated that 'The Italians have decided. And we respect this decision,' adding that the result was 'a lost opportunity to modernise Italy.'

Her government had aimed to change Italy's constitution to separate the roles of judges and prosecutors and reform their oversight body, but critics argued it was a political power grab that failed to address real challenges.

The referendum campaign was marked by intense opposition within the judiciary, with over 80 percent of members of Italy's National Magistrates Association staging a one-day strike last year.