"It's a shame, but the Italians have made up their minds. And we respect this decision . We will move forward, as we always have, with responsibility, determination, and respect for the Italian people and for Italy." This was stated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the referendum result on justice reform , which saw the "No" side prevail.
A concept reiterated by the leader of the Brothers of Italy group in the Chamber of Deputies, Galeazzo Bignami : "We said from the beginning that this referendum would have no impact on the fate of the government, one way or the other. We said it before and we say it now."
"I respectfully acknowledge the sovereign people's decision," commented Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.
Forza Italia Secretary Antonio Tajani made a similar statement: "The sovereign people have expressed themselves, and we bow to their will . They expressed themselves with a very high level of participation, and this, regardless of the result, is a great demonstration of democracy. We have done everything possible to convey the importance of a reform that would make justice more equitable and Italy freer . However, the Italians held a different opinion, and we acknowledge this with the utmost respect."
Meanwhile, supporters of the "No" vote are rejoicing, starting with the center-left leaders: "We did it! Long live the Constitution!" wrote Five Star Movement president Giuseppe Conte on social media . "A new era is dawning," Conte added, " a political spring . Citizens are the protagonists; they want to turn the page, they are signaling the demand for a different kind of politics, more attentive to people's needs and less focused on protecting politicians from investigations. The Five Star Movement has every right, along with other progressive forces, to shape this new spring."
"We won; a national majority stopped a flawed reform," said Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein . She emphasized: "An even more wonderful victory because we started from a predicted defeat, and instead we overturned that outcome. Young people made the difference , even though non-resident voters couldn't vote." Furthermore, Schlein continued, "there are more right-wing voters who voted No than the opposite."
For Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva , "Today is a resounding defeat for Meloni . I hope the center-left advances quickly to the primaries and is in a position to win the general election." Renzi himself added: "When the people speak, the government must listen. We did so ten years ago. Will Giorgia Meloni have the same courage? I resigned as Prime Minister, as Secretary, from everything. We'll see what Meloni will do after a resounding defeat."
Matteo Salvini also had his say: "When citizens speak out, they are always right. We remain convinced, like millions of Italians who deserve respect and gratitude, that the justice system needs to be improved. For this reason too, the government must move forward with unity and determination," he said in a statement.
"We thank Italians for this extraordinary participation that led to the defense of the Constitution: it is a great political signal ," said Angelo Bonelli of Avs.
"It has been demonstrated," commented CGIL Secretary Maurizio Landini , "that the Constitution should not be changed, not overturned, but applied . It is a message of unity."
(Unioneonline/lf)
