Milan, March 24, 2026 – The justice reform referendum held on Monday, March 23, has revealed a significant divide within Lombardy, with the city of Milan rejecting the proposed changes while the broader region voted in favor. Consolidated data shows that while Lombardy as a whole supported the reform with 53% of the votes, Milanese citizens decisively chose ‘No,’ reaching 58.3%.
A Split Region: Milan vs. Lombardy Provinces
The referendum results highlight a clear geographical split. In provinces like Bergamo and Brescia, the ‘Yes’ vote surpassed 60%, followed closely by Sondrio. Milan remains the sole Lombard province where the ‘No’ vote prevailed, with the metropolitan area registering 53.7% against the reform.
Regional turnout was 63.7%, higher than the national average of 58.9%. Milan city saw a particularly strong participation rate of 65.1%. Voting operations across 1,249 sections proceeded smoothly, as confirmed by the Municipality of Milan, which managed the organization in 162 school venues.
Mayor Sala Hails ‘No’ as a “Good News”
Milan’s Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, described the ‘No’ result as “good news,” asserting that the vote “has given a strong political response in a highly politicized context.” According to Sala, the outcome suggests that the “country is contestable,” indicating a dynamic political landscape.
Center-Right Views it as a “Lost Opportunity”
Reactions from the center-right were in stark contrast. Alessandro Sorte, regional secretary of Forza Italia, lamented a “lost opportunity” for the judicial system, though he acknowledged the positive signal from the majority of Lombard provinces. Carlo Maccari and Christian Garavaglia of Fratelli d’Italia noted that the Lombard data exceeded expectations, attributing the abstention rates in other parts of the country to the technical complexity of the referendum subject.
Gaia Romani, Milan’s councilor for civic services, extended gratitude to the personnel involved in the polling stations. She also called for an adjustment in compensation for electoral workers and highlighted the need to address the issue of out-of-town voters unable to cast their ballots.
The ‘No’ committee organized a gathering in Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon to celebrate the city’s outcome.
Background of the Referendum
The referendum on justice reform aimed to introduce significant changes to the Italian judicial system. Proponents argued that the reforms were necessary to streamline legal processes and enhance efficiency, while opponents raised concerns about potential impacts on judicial independence and citizens’ rights. The debate leading up to the vote was intense, with various political figures and civil society groups actively campaigning for both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.
Implications for Future Political Landscape
The distinct outcome in Milan compared to the rest of Lombardy could have broader implications for the regional and national political landscape. It underscores a potential divergence in political sentiment between urban centers and more rural areas, a trend observed in other European elections. Analysts suggest that this result might influence future electoral strategies and policy debates, particularly concerning justice and local governance.
Public Engagement and Democratic Process
The high voter turnout in Milan, surpassing both regional and national averages, demonstrates a strong public engagement with the referendum. This level of participation reflects the importance citizens placed on the issue of justice reform and their desire to express their views through the democratic process. The smooth conduct of voting operations, as reported by the Municipality of Milan, further reinforces confidence in the electoral system.
The ‘No’ committee’s celebration in Piazza Duomo signifies the immediate impact of the vote on local political dynamics. It highlights the power of grassroots movements and local political leadership in shaping public opinion and influencing outcomes on critical national issues.
Moving forward, the results of this referendum will likely prompt further discussions and analyses across Italy, as political parties and stakeholders interpret the mandate from the voters and consider its ramifications for future legislative actions.
