Italy’s tourism minister resigns after referendum defeat pressures government

International

Daniela Santanchè steps down as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni initiates political changes following judicial reform vote

Italy’s Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè resigned on Wednesday after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly called for her departure as part of a broader government reshuffle following the defeat of a judicial reform referendum.

In her resignation letter to the prime minister, Santanchè expressed regret over the end of her tenure. “I won’t hide a little bitterness about the outcome of my ministerial journey, but in my life I’m used to paying my own bills and often those of others as well,” she wrote, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

Government seeks political reset after referendum result

The resignation comes after voters rejected a constitutional reform proposal backed by Meloni’s government in a nationwide referendum held on Sunday and Monday. According to official results, 53.74 percent voted against the reform, while 46.26 percent supported it.

The “No” camp secured around 14.4 million votes, more than two million ahead of the “Yes” vote. The result represents the first major political setback for Meloni since she became prime minister.

Following the referendum outcome, the government has begun a series of personnel changes. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio’s chief of staff, Giusi Bartolozzi, and Justice Undersecretary Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove both resigned on Tuesday.

Meloni prepares government for upcoming elections

According to reports, Meloni is seeking to reorganise both her government and her Brothers of Italy party in preparation for the next general election. The current parliamentary term is scheduled to end next year.

In a video message published on social media after the referendum results were announced, the prime minister acknowledged the outcome and described it as “a missed opportunity”. At the same time, she reiterated that her government would continue pursuing its political agenda despite the setback.