Meloni seeks to bypass traditional media to sway young voters on judicial reform.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has appeared as a guest on a podcast hosted by the rapper Fedez in a final push for a Yes vote in the country’s upcoming judicial referendum.
The interview, scheduled to air on Thursday at 13.00, comes days ahead of the landmark vote which will be held in Italy on 22 and 23 March.
The upcoming referendum focuses on a series of constitutional reforms aimed at separating the career paths of judges and prosecutors, and is seen as a key test for Meloni’s right-wing coalition.
While the government argues the reform is essential to ensure a fair and impartial legal system, the opposition and the national magistrates’ association have warned it could undermine judicial independence.
The producers of the Pulp Podcast, which has more than 300,000 followers on YouTube, on Tuesday released a picture of Meloni sitting between Fedez and his co-host Mr Marra.
“We’re not voting on Meloni, we’re voting on justice” – the prime minister explained, according to a statement issued by the podcast – “Even those who disagree with this government should evaluate the merits of a reform that aims to improve the functioning of the system.”
The prime minister has emphasised that the referendum should not be viewed as a vote on her leadership and has also vowed not to resign if the No side win.
Strategic media shift
By choosing to be interviewed by Fedez – a figure who has frequently clashed with her administration on civil rights and freedom of expression – Meloni is attempting to reach a demographic that remains largely disengaged from mainstream political debate.
The unlikely collaboration is being viewed by some analysts as a masterstroke for the Yes campaign however, due to Fedez’ confrontational style, the move is not without risks for Meloni.
Fedez, the former husband of influencer Chiara Ferragni, stressed that – in relation to the referendum – the podcast has already hosted representatives from both the Yes and No camps.
Producers say they have repeatedly invited the leader of the centre-left opposition Partito Democratico (PD) party Elly Schlein, and Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte, to join the podcast. They said that Schlein turned down the offer on Tuesday and that Conte failed to respond.
Final countdown
The referendum requires a Yes majority from the electorate to confirm the law already passed by parliament last October.
As the campaign enters its final few days, and with polls suggesting a significant portion of the public remains undecided or unaware of the reform’s specifics, the Pulp Podcast appearance could prove decisive for younger voters.
