Southern Europe in March 2026: the most important developments in politics
In March 2026 the political news from Southern Europe was led by Italy's referendum on the government's justice reform, held on 22 and 23 March. Voters rejected the plan to change how judges are appointed. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the defeat, said she respects the voters' decision and would not ask parliament for a vote of confidence. The opposition called the result a major defeat for her. On 25 March Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè resigned after Meloni demanded she step down, and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio was reported to have considered resigning.
The war involving Iran shaped foreign policy across the region. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said 'no to war' and refused US use of Spanish bases; US aircraft left Spain. Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain, and the White House said Spain had agreed to military cooperation, which Madrid denied. Spain withdrew its ambassador to Israel and on 30 March closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran. Meloni said Italy is not at war and will not join a US-Israeli attack, and Trump praised her on 8 March. Italy, Germany and France said they would help secure the Strait of Hormuz only after a ceasefire.
Cyprus was a second focus after a drone attack on a British base on the island. President Nikos Christodoulides called for the abolition of the British bases, and the United Kingdom assured Cyprus that they will not be used for offensive operations. Emmanuel Macron visited the island on 9 March with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Greece backed a lasting EU commitment to Cyprus's defence.
In Spain, Vox and the People's Party agreed on 25 March to form a regional government in Extremadura. Elsewhere, the party faced internal disputes, and one of its spokespeople was sentenced to ten months in prison for an electoral crime. The leader of Andalusia called an early election.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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