Italy Before Referendum: Meloni Government Hardens Stance Towards Judges and Postpones Summit with Macron

The campaign ahead of the March constitutional referendum in Italy is entering a decisive phase. Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi declared in Bologna that even a potential loss in the vote would not lead to the cabinet's collapse. The government's reform includes, among other things, the separation of careers for judges and prosecutors, which supporters claim will guarantee impartiality in rulings, while critics argue it will weaken the independence of investigators. Mid-February polls gave supporters of the changes (the "Yes" option) a lead at the level of 53%, but the latest research from February 19 indicates a drop in support to 50.4% and a neck-and-neck race with opponents of the reform. Minister Nordio, referring to the president's appeal to calm emotions, denied personal animosity with the Naples prosecutor, Nicola Gratteri, although both remain in a deep substantive dispute. Nicola Gratteri publicly criticizes the reform, pointing to threats to the effectiveness of the fight against organized crime. In the background of the judicial debate, a ruling ordering the state to pay compensation to concerning non-governmental organizations involved in migrant rescue has emerged, which Prime Minister Meloni uses as an argument for the need to curb the influence of the "red robes." The Italian justice system has been in permanent conflict with the political class since the 1990s and the 'Clean Hands' operation. Judicial reforms were one of the main demands of Silvio Berlusconi, and the current Meloni government continues this line, claiming that judges exceed their competencies by engaging in politics. Simultaneously, Rome announced the postponement of the summit with France planned for April to June, officially due to an overload of duties ahead of the G7 summit in Evian. However, some commentators link the postponement to a cooling of relations after critical remarks by President Emmanuel Macron directed at the Italian Prime Minister, although officially calendar reasons related to the G7 were also cited. Opposition leader Elly Schlein warns that changes to the constitution will not speed up trials but only serve to protect the ruling class from judicial scrutiny. „Le contumelie, persino quelle che ci dipingono come piduisti o amici dei camorristi dimostrano che sul referendum della giustizia l'opposizione non ha argomentazioni razionali da opporre.” — Carlo Nordio 53% — of respondents declare support for the judicial reform

Perspektywy mediów: The opposition and liberal media emphasize the threat to judicial independence and accuse the government of seeking revenge on judges for rulings in migration cases. Right-wing media focus on the politicization of judges and the necessity of restoring justice through career separation and social control.