Italy's right‑wing suffers setbacks after referendum loss and local defeat

Maurizio Gambini, mayor of Urbino, lost a key faction of the local Democratic Party that had supported his administration, weakening his position and bolstering opposition forces in the city. The opposition, including AVS, Futura, the Five Star Movement and local left groups, view the outcome as an opportunity to form a stronger alternative to the right‑wing majority.

In a separate national episode, the referendum opposing the judiciary was rejected, exposing a deep crack in the parliamentary majority backing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Critics argue the proposed electoral law violates the Constitution, and the defeat has sparked calls for a review of the law and for President Sergio Mattarella to assess constitutional obligations. Both events illustrate growing challenges for the Italian right‑wing coalition.