Italy is holding a two-day referendum on judicial reform that has become a major political test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

What began as a technical proposal has turned into a broader judgment on her leadership, with a tight race between “Yes” and “No” camps and high voter turnout.

A defeat could weaken Meloni politically and embolden the center-left opposition, while a win would strengthen her position domestically and in Europe.

The reforms aim to change how judges and prosecutors operate and restructure the judicial oversight system, but critics warn they could undermine judicial independence, the AP has reported.

The vote also carries international implications, as Meloni’s alignment with Donald Trump and global political dynamics influence public perception.