Giorgia Meloni swiftly convened a cabinet meeting yesterday morning to modify the wording of the referendum question in response to the Cassation Court’s decision. This action followed assurances received from the Quirinal Palace that adjusting the explanation of the constitutional norms wouldn’t pose a problem. the referendum date remains unchanged, contrary to the wishes of the “No” front. However, the government committed to respecting “the judges of the Cassation Court,” avoiding any attacks on the judiciary.
On Friday, most ministers, including the Prime Minister, were in Milan for the inauguration of the Winter Olympics , providing an opportunity for informal discussions regarding the Cassation Court’s ruling. Sources indicate the President of the Republic, as President of the CSM (Council of the Judiciary) and a former member of the Constitutional Court, was confident in the government’s actions.
A formal phone call took place yesterday morning, with Giorgia Meloni informing the President of the government’s intention to revise the text as requested by the Cassation Court petitioners without postponing the referendum. President Mattarella subsequently approved the decision and signed the decree.
Previously, during the decree establishing the referendum date for March 22nd and 23rd, the Quirinal Palace had suggested not printing the ballots until the Cassation Court ruled, recognizing the potential need to modify the text and avoid wasteful spending.
Sources report no significant tensions within the government. Notice also no current concerns about a potential new appeal to the TAR (Regional Administrative Court) and subsequently the Constitutional Court. It’s believed that the President’s signature effectively closes the matter, and any attempt to challenge the decision would be difficult given the composition of both courts.
President Mattarella has emphasized, both publicly and privately, that while the government’s decision is legally sound—as it clarifies rather than alters the question—it is crucial to respect the Cassation Court and its rulings.
While ministers refrained from publicly criticizing the Cassation Court, some party members did so. However, a tacit agreement was reached within the government to avoid delegitimizing the judiciary.
The Quirinal Palace hopes for a respectful campaign, free from attacks on the judiciary, recognizing the importance of upholding all state powers. There is optimism regarding the referendum’s outcome, though success requires continued effort.
