Italian voters are set to decide on a landmark judicial reform that proposes separating the career paths of judges and prosecutors, a move that has deeply polarized the nation's political and social leaders.

Core Reform Proposal

The referendum focuses on the 'separation of careers', which would prevent magistrates from switching between the roles of judge and prosecutor.

Supporters' Arguments

Proponents like Lucia Albano and Massimiliano Fedriga argue the reform will ensure judicial impartiality and end the politicization of the magistracy.

Opponents' Concerns

Critics, including PD leader Francesco Boccia and activist Luigi Ciotti, warn the change threatens the constitutional balance of powers and fails to address true justice needs.

Italian voters will head to the polls in a justice referendum centered on the separation of careers for magistrates, a move supporters claim will depoliticize the judiciary while opponents warn of a threat to constitutional balance. Lucia Albano, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, advocated for a "Yes" vote to ensure magistrates operate independently of political influence. Paolo Capone, General Secretary of the UGL union, described the reform as a necessary step toward a more credible and balanced justice system. Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, expressed hope that the intense politicization surrounding the vote would conclude. Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, emphasized that the referendum outcome will not impact the stability of the current government. „yes to the referendum to free magistrates from politics” — Lucia Albano via ANSA

Critics of the proposal, led by opposition figures and civil society leaders, are urging citizens to vote "No" to protect the existing legal framework. Francesco Boccia, the Democratic Party leader in the Senate, stated that rejecting the reform is vital for defending the Constitution and the balance of powers. Marcello Chiorazzo, a regional councilor in Basilicata, argued that the "No" vote is a defense of institutional stability. Father Luigi Ciotti, the founder of the anti-mafia organization Libera, characterized the initiative as a reform of the judiciary rather than a genuine improvement of justice. Legal expert Grosso further warned that the proposed changes could put the lives of all citizens at risk by altering the fundamental protections of the legal system. „Votare no significa difendere Costituzione ed equilibrio tra poteri” (Voting no means defending the Constitution and the balance between powers) — Francesco Boccia via AGI

The debate over the judicial structure has been a recurring theme in Italian politics for decades, often pitting the executive branch against the judiciary. Proponents of the reform seek to create a clear distinction between judges and prosecutors, who currently share the same professional body and can switch roles. The upcoming vote follows a period of intense campaigning where both sides have framed the issue as a matter of fundamental democratic integrity. While the government has distanced itself from the immediate political fallout of the results, the referendum is seen as a significant test of the public appetite for structural institutional changes. The debate over the separation of careers for magistrates in Italy dates back to the early 1990s following the Mani Pulite investigations. Previous attempts to reform the judiciary through referendums occurred in 2022, though they failed to reach the necessary quorum for validity. The current proposal aims to establish two separate High Councils of the Judiciary, one for judges and one for prosecutors. Historically, the Italian judiciary has been characterized by a unified career path where magistrates can transition between prosecuting and judging roles.