Italy’s Tourism Minister, Daniela Santanche, has resigned following mounting political pressure and a direct call from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as the government begins a broader internal shake-up after suffering a major defeat in a judicial reform referendum.
Santanche stepped down on Wednesday, bringing an abrupt end to her tenure in the cabinet. In her resignation letter addressed to the prime minister, she expressed disappointment over how her time in office had concluded but accepted responsibility in line with her personal principles.
“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 Italy’s ANSA news agency.
Her resignation comes at a critical moment for Meloni’s government, which is grappling with the political fallout from a failed constitutional referendum on judicial reform. The vote, held over Sunday and Monday, marked the first major electoral setback for the prime minister since she assumed office.
The proposed reforms, strongly backed by Meloni and her administration, were rejected by a clear majority of voters. Official results show that 53.74 percent voted against the changes, while 46.26 percent supported them. In terms of raw numbers, the “No” camp secured approximately 14.4 million votes, surpassing the “Yes” side by more than two million votes.
The outcome has triggered a wave of political consequences within the ruling coalition, prompting what insiders describe as a “house cleaning” effort aimed at strengthening the government ahead of the next general election. Italy’s current parliamentary term is expected to conclude next year, making the timing of the political reset particularly significant.
Reports indicate that Meloni is seeking to reorganize both her government and her Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia, FdI) party by removing individuals considered politically vulnerable or controversial. The goal, analysts say, is to consolidate her leadership, restore public confidence, and present a more cohesive front to voters as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
Santanche’s departure is one of several high-profile exits following the referendum result. On Tuesday, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio’s Chief of Staff, Giusi Bartolozzi, and Justice Undersecretary Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove also resigned, signaling a broader reshuffle within key government institutions.
The resignations highlight the internal pressure facing the Meloni administration as it seeks to recover from the political blow. While the referendum was centered on judicial reform, its rejection has been widely interpreted as a test of the government’s popularity and reform agenda.
In the immediate aftermath of the vote, Prime Minister Meloni addressed the nation through a video message shared on social media. Acknowledging the outcome, she described the referendum as “a missed opportunity” but maintained that her government remains committed to pursuing its policy objectives.
Despite the setback, Meloni signaled that her administration would not be derailed, emphasizing continuity and determination to push forward with its broader reform agenda. However, the recent resignations suggest that adjustments are already underway behind the scenes.
Political observers note that the prime minister’s swift response reflects an effort to contain potential damage and reassert control over her government. By initiating a reshuffle and distancing her administration from internal controversies, Meloni appears to be positioning herself for a stronger political footing ahead of the next election.
The referendum defeat has also reignited debate within Italy over judicial reforms and the balance of power between political institutions and the judiciary. While supporters of the reforms argued they were necessary to improve efficiency and accountability, critics raised concerns about potential threats to judicial independence.
As the government navigates the aftermath of the vote, attention will likely remain on how effectively Meloni can rebuild momentum and unify her party. The coming months are expected to be crucial in determining whether the administration can regain political ground and maintain its influence in an increasingly competitive landscape.
For now, Santanche’s resignation stands as a clear indication of the shifting dynamics within Italy’s political leadership, as the government recalibrates in response to both public opinion and internal pressures.
