Italy: Government Campaign for Judicial Reform and Dispute Over Magistracy Autonomy

The Italian political scene has been dominated by preparations for a constitutional referendum, scheduled for March 22 and 23, 2026. The government of Giorgia Meloni has taken unprecedented steps by preparing a detailed report documenting 400 cases of so-called "malagiustizia," or errors in the functioning of the justice system. This document is intended to serve as the main argument in support of the reform by Carlo Nordio, the Minister of Justice, which includes, among other things, the separation of judicial and prosecutorial careers. The situation escalated following sharp statements by Undersecretary of State Alfredo Mantovano, who accused judges of radicalizing public debate. A particular controversy arose from an exchange with Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, whom Mantovano accused of wanting to surveil reform supporters on social media. Opponents of the changes, including Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi and opposition leader Elly Schlein, argue that the reform will undermine judicial independence and lead to the strengthening of executive power at the expense of citizens. The Italian judicial system has been a battleground between the political world and the strongly unionized magistracy for decades, a situation that intensified especially during the era of Silvio Berlusconi's governments, who repeatedly accused judges of political bias. Published poll results from Youtrend indicate an almost perfect split in society. In the case of high turnout, reform supporters have the advantage (51%), while with low voter participation, opponents of the changes may prevail (51.5%). Prime Minister Meloni emphasizes that the vote is not a plebiscite on her government, but political commentators note that a potential defeat could trigger a cabinet crisis and snap parliamentary elections. „Would you want Nobel laureates to be chosen by drawing lots from among all scientists? Exactly. I vote "no."” — Giorgio Parisi400 — documented cases of judicial errors in the government dossier The media is also debating the role of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary (CSM). President Sergio Mattarella appealed for respect for the institution, which has been noted by all sides of the dispute as a key element in maintaining constitutional balance. The campaign will enter its decisive phase on February 23, when official referendum debates begin on the public broadcaster Rai. Left-wing media emphasize the risk of politicizing the prosecution and an attack on judicial independence by the right-wing coalition. | Conservative media focus on the necessity of healing the system, eliminating judicial errors, and ensuring fair trials.