Italian voters reject government's judicial reform referendum

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has lost a national referendum on changes to the justice system. The proposal, which would have altered how judges are appointed, was voted down by a majority of voters.

Meloni, who had campaigned for a 'Yes' vote, acknowledged the defeat. During the campaign, she accused the opposition of having a 'hidden hand' behind the 'No' campaign. A member of her own party was also reported urging the use of the 'usual clientelist system' to try to win votes.