Finance
Italy's Meloni Joins Rapper's Podcast to Sway Justice Referendum
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 17, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 17, 2026
Quick Summary
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is seeking to sway young voters ahead of the March 22–23 justice referendum by appearing on the popular rapper Fedez’s “Pulp Podcast,” discussing topics from judicial reform to international affairs.
Italy's Meloni Uses Popular Podcast to Appeal to Young Voters on Justice Reform
Meloni's Media Strategy and the Justice Reform Referendum
By Angelo Amante
Prime Minister's Unconventional Campaign Approach
ROME, March 17 (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has turned to an unlikely platform in her push for a 'yes' vote in next week's justice referendum, joining an irreverent podcast hosted by a popular rapper in a bid to reach younger voters.
Italians are due to vote on March 22-23 on a highly-contested government plan to reform the judiciary which supporters say will modernise the legal system but opponents say will make it easier for the state to control prosecutors.
Political Stakes and Opposition Response
The result is a key test for Meloni's right-wing coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, with the opposition backing the 'no' camp.
The prime minister kept a relatively low profile during the heated campaign until last week, when she began giving television and newspaper interviews in an effort to drive her supporters to the polls, as they are seen as relatively disengaged on the issue.
The Role of the Pulp Podcast
The podcast is due to air on March 19, but according to a statement released by the producer on Tuesday, Meloni was asked about the war in Iran, domestic security issues and repeated that she would not resign if defeated at the referendum.
Meloni's Message to Voters
"If you vote 'no' today only to send Meloni home, there could be a risk that you end up with both Meloni and a justice system that does not work. It does not seem like much of a bargain to me," the statement quoted her as saying.
Podcast Hosts and Audience
A picture was released showing Meloni sitting between rapper Fedez - the former husband of fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni - and his co-host, known as Mr Marra.
The highly popular Pulp Podcast has more than 300,000 followers on YouTube and some of its episodes have drawn more than 1 million views.
Notable Past Guests
Past guests have included Roberto Vannacci, one of Italy's most outspoken public figures who recently set up his own far-right party, and Gaspare Mutolo, a former mob killer who admits to having strangled some 20 people.
Details of the Justice Reform
The changes being put to the referendum would separate the careers of judges and public prosecutors, ending the current system in which both roles share a single entry exam, operate within the same career track and may switch roles early in their professional life.
Historical Context and Political Challenges
Successive governments have discussed reforming the system since the late 1980s, but the debate has always been snarled by fierce partisan politics preventing change.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Meloni’s appearance on Fedez’s Pulp Podcast marks a strategic move to engage younger voters ahead of the highly contested March 22–23 referendum.
- •The referendum proposes separation of career tracks for judges and prosecutors, splitting Italy’s High Council of the Judiciary into two bodies, and creating a High Disciplinary Court (en.wikipedia.org).
- •Critics argue the reform risks undermining judicial independence, while supporters claim it enhances impartiality and aligns with structures seen in other European democracies (italytelegraph.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's Meloni joins rapper's podcast to sway justice referendum
1What is the upcoming justice referendum in Italy about?
The referendum will decide on reforms to Italy's judiciary system, separating the careers of judges and prosecutors.
2Why did Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni join a rapper's podcast?
She appeared on Fedez's Pulp Podcast to reach younger voters and campaign for a 'yes' vote in the referendum.
3When will Italians vote on the justice reform referendum?
The referendum is scheduled for March 22-23.
4What changes does the justice reform propose?
The reform would end the current system allowing judges and prosecutors to share a career track and switch roles early in their career.
5How popular is the Pulp Podcast that hosted Meloni?
The Pulp Podcast has over 300,000 YouTube followers, with some episodes drawing more than 1 million views.
