Giorgia Meloni Defends Judicial Reform as Referendum Debate Intensifies in Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in a video message to the Meeting in Rimini that the proposed judicial reform is designed for the benefit of citizens and is not intended to remove magistrates from their positions. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary but rather aims to establish a system that guarantees the rights of the public. According to Giorgia Meloni, the reform will focus on the separation of careers and the objectivity of disciplinary actions. She further noted that the goal is to create a judiciary that remains independent and autonomous while also being held accountable within the democratic framework. The Prime Minister's remarks come as the political debate intensifies ahead of the national vote. „The judicial reform is for citizens, not to get rid of magistrates” — Giorgia Meloni via ANSA

Supporting voices from the government and regional administrations will continue to campaign for the reform, asserting that it will insulate the legal system from political influence. Lucia Albano, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, argued that a "yes" vote is necessary to free magistrates from the pressures of politics. Meanwhile, Alberto Cirio, the President of the Piedmont Region, clarified that the outcome of the referendum will not determine the future of the current government. Massimiliano Fedriga, the President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, expressed his hope that the ongoing politicization of the referendum process will come to an end. These officials maintain that the reform is a technical necessity for the efficiency of the Italian state. The debate over the separation of careers for judges and prosecutors has been a central theme in Italian legal discourse for decades. Proponents argue it ensures a fair trial by preventing collusion between the prosecution and the bench, while critics fear it could weaken the independence of the public prosecutor's office. Previous attempts at similar reforms have faced significant opposition from the National Association of Magistrates.

Opponents of the measure will warn that the changes could undermine the institutional balance of the country and the fundamental nature of justice. Former magistrate Antonio Di Pietro criticized the proposal by comparing the legal system to a game where the referee and a player should not be related. Father Luigi Ciotti, the founder of the anti-mafia organization Libera, characterized the initiative as a reform of the judiciary rather than a reform of justice itself. Angelo Chiorazzo, the Vice President of the Basilicata Regional Council, will advocate for a "no" vote to protect the existing balance between state institutions. Additionally, constitutionalist Enrico Grosso warned that the implementation of the reform could potentially put the lives of all citizens at risk by altering the legal protections currently in place. „No one wants a game with a referee and player who are relatives” — Antonio Di Pietro via ANSA