Italians are voting on Sunday in a nationwide constitutional referendum that could weaken the position of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. If the "no" option wins, the politician will face calls for her resignation. Meanwhile, in France, the National Assembly has passed a controversial end-of-life law, which is causing deep social divisions and concerns about ethical consequences. Both issues dominate public debate in both countries.

Sunday's referendum in Italy

Citizens decide on constitutional changes. The government campaign's defeat could mean a serious blow for Prime Minister Meloni and calls for her to step down.

French end-of-life law

The National Assembly voted on a law that, for its supporters, is progress, and for opponents, a serious ethical regression and the opening of a 'Pandora's box'.

Political risk for Meloni

Despite good poll ratings, the success of Italy's Prime Minister may be illusory, and the referendum result poses a real threat to her.

Ethical debate in France

The passing of the law has dragged parliament into a 'mess' of disturbing precedents and sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of human life.

In Italy and France, parallel yet distinct, turbulent political and social debates are unfolding, reaching their climax these days. In Rome, a nationwide constitutional referendum is being held on Sunday. Its result directly impacts the position of the head of government, Giorgia Meloni. As noted by the French press, if the "no" option wins, calls for her resignation will inevitably arise. „„Si le non l'emporte, il y aura des appels à sa démission”” — Le Figaro. Analyses indicate that despite favorable polls for her, Meloni's success may be illusory, and the referendum poses a real political risk. Giorgia Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, assumed the office of Prime Minister in the autumn of 2022, becoming the first woman to hold this position in Italy. Her government is the first since World War II to be formed by a party with post-fascist roots. Meanwhile, in Paris, the National Assembly has passed a controversial law regulating end-of-life issues. For its supporters, it is a necessary civilizational progress, giving people greater control over their own passing. For opponents, including church circles, conservatives, and some doctors, it constitutes a fundamental ethical regression. The law raises concerns that it could become a "Pandora's box," leading to an uncontrolled expansion of indications for assisted suicide. Commentators warn of dangerous precedents and of dragging parliament into a "mess" of disturbing solutions. „„Loi sur la fin de vie, une boîte de Pandore qui n'en finit pas de s'ouvrir plus grand”” — Guillaume Tabard. The debate reveals deep divisions in French society regarding the value of life, individual autonomy, and the role of the state. prawda: Information about the vote in Italy and the passing of the law in France is consistently confirmed by all cited sources. Differences concern only political assessments and forecasts. (Analysis of press sources) Both events, though geographically distant, share a key theme: testing the stability and legitimacy of the current power. In Italy, through direct citizen voting; in France, by checking whether the ruling forces are able to push through a deeply socially divisive reform. The result of the Italian referendum could weaken or strengthen the position of one of the most important right-wing leaders in Europe. Meanwhile, the French end-of-life law will define the bioethical landscape not only in France for a long time but may also influence discussions in other European countries. Upcoming Key Dates: 26 lutego 2026 — Announcement of referendum results in Italy; 1 marca 2026 — Further legislative process of the end-of-life law in France

Mentioned People

  • Giorgia Meloni — Prime Minister of Italy, her position depends on the referendum result.
  • Guillaume Tabard — Political commentator, author of warnings about the end-of-life law.