Giorgia Meloni is taking on the courts in Italy
The Economist
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, is locked in a heated clash with the judiciary over her government’s hard-line immigration policies, which have repeatedly faced unfavorable rulings. The tensions between the government and courts are at their peak ahead of a March referendum aimed at reforming the judiciary. Critics argue that this reform effort may do little to address the deep-seated issues plaguing Italy’s slow and often politically influenced judicial system.
Italy has a long history of strained relations between successive governments and its judiciary, with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi famously accusing judges of orchestrating political conspiracies against him. Meloni and her populist-right government have faced similar allegations, with the judiciary seen as a tool used by opponents to block their policies. The referendum seeks to overhaul the judicial system, including measures to reduce case backlogs and increase transparency, but many believe it may further entrench political influence over the courts.
For businesses operating in Italy, the slow-moving judiciary poses significant challenges, creating legal uncertainty and deterring investment. Companies often face lengthy court proceedings, which can delay projects and increase costs. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the system, but critics warn that without addressing deeper issues of political interference and inefficiency, the judiciary will remain a drag on economic growth.
The clash between Meloni’s government and the courts highlights broader concerns about Italy’s ability to reform its institutions effectively. While the referendum could bring some changes, many fear it may not address systemic problems, leaving the judiciary vulnerable to political manipulation. For businesses, this means ongoing challenges in navigating Italy’s legal landscape, potentially hindering economic stability and growth.
In a country where judicial reforms have historically been met with resistance, the upcoming referendum marks a pivotal moment. Whether it will lead to meaningful change or further entrench existing tensions remains uncertain. For now, businesses must navigate the complexities of Italy’s judiciary while hoping for improvements that could enhance legal certainty and foster economic development.
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Originally published on The Economist on 2/26/2026