Italian public opinion is mobilizing ahead of an upcoming referendum on judicial reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi and the president of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM), Cesare Parodi, have joined the campaign to reject the changes, described as an attack on judicial independence. The opposition, led by Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, warns of a breach of the constitutional balance of powers and a weakening of citizen protections.

Opposition from Scientific Authorities

Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi has actively joined the campaign to reject the reform, arguing that it threatens the merit-based selection of judicial personnel.

Mobilization of the Judiciary

ANM President Cesare Parodi warns that the changes violate the balance of powers and will lead to the creation of a "different kind of democracy" in Italy.

Opposition Leader's Tour

Elly Schlein is visiting successive Italian cities, including Perugia, building social opposition to the planned constitutional changes.

Commemoration of Umberto Eco

On the 10th anniversary of the writer's death, Milan dedicated a green promenade to him near Castello Sforzesco, celebrating his passion for walking.

Italy is entering a decisive phase of debate over a justice reform authored by Minister Carlo Nordio, which is set to be put to a nationwide referendum. The project envisions profound changes to the functioning of the CSM, which critics say will lead to the politicization of judicial appointments. Giorgio Parisi, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, in a public appeal compared the proposed changes in personnel selection to a lottery of scientists, warning of a degradation of professionalism in the justice system. The physicist unequivocally declared he would vote “no,” emphasizing that judicial autonomy is at stake. Simultaneously, Cesare Parodi, president of the ANM, during meetings in Venice and Turin, explained to citizens that the amendment of seven articles of the Italian Constitution would change the character of the national democracy. While avoiding catastrophic terms, he noted that the current system guarantees an ideal balance of powers, which after the changes will be upset to the detriment of the citizen. These voices resonate with the political actions of Elly Schlein, who has begun a tour of the country, mobilizing the left-wing electorate to defend the current shape of the constitution. In the shadow of political disputes, Italy also recently marked the 10th anniversary of the death of the eminent intellectual Umberto Eco. In Milan, a special walking path named after him was opened near Castello Sforzesco, and in his hometown of Alessandria, ceremonies were held commemorating the author of “The Name of the Rose.” This juxtaposition of events – the fight for the future of state institutions and the nurturing of national cultural heritage – currently dominates public debate on the Apennine Peninsula. The current attempt at judicial reform relates to long-standing disputes in Italy, initiated in the 1990s by the “Clean Hands” investigation, which led to lasting tension between the executive branch and the prosecution. „Would you want Nobel laureates to be chosen by lottery from among all scientists? Exactly. I am voting no.” — Giorgio Parisi „This is not just a reform about separating careers; it is a reform that touches the rights of all citizens who need free judges.” — Cesare Parodi

Mentioned People

  • Giorgio Parisi — Italian theoretical physicist, Nobel laureate, opponent of the judicial reform.
  • Umberto Eco — Italian writer and philosopher, who died in 2016, honored with anniversary ceremonies.
  • Elly Schlein — Secretary of the Democratic Party, opposition leader opposing the referendum.
  • Cesare Parodi — President of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM).