Italy will hold a constitutional referendum on March 22–23 regarding a government plan to change the justice system, causing tension between the judiciary and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative coalition. The reform aims to separate the careers of judges and public prosecutors, ending the shared entry exam and career tracks, ensuring distinct paths with no role switching. It proposes splitting the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) into two independent bodies for judges and prosecutors, introducing a lottery system for member selection. Additionally, a new High Disciplinary Court will be created to manage misconduct cases.
Since the late 1980s, separating judicial careers has been a topic of discussion, but political conflicts have stalled progress. Supporters believe the reform will modernize the system, align Italy with democracies like France and Germany, and enhance judicial impartiality by reducing connections between judges and prosecutors. The government argues that random selection for CSM members will limit influence from political factions, and the disciplinary court will improve accountability for misconduct. Critics warn that the reform may endanger judicial independence, allowing more government control over prosecutions, and that random selection might diminish the quality of CSM members.
The reform has been approved by parliament but requires a referendum since the necessary two-thirds majority was not met. A “Yes” vote would implement the changes, while a “No” vote would maintain the current system. Recent polls indicate a tight race between supporters and opponents, with high voter turnout seen as key. Meloni is concerned about low center-right voter participation, while the center-left is motivated to use the referendum to challenge her government ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections.
With information from Reuters
