Magistrates Strike Over Controversial Judicial Reform Amid Government Dialogue
Nearly 80 magistrates participated in a strike on Thursday organized by the National Association of Magistrates (ANM) in response to a proposed Constitutional reform bill. The changes, which aim to separate the career paths of judges and prosecutors, have sparked significant concern among legal professionals, according to ANM's Secretary General Rocco Maruotti.
Following a cabinet meeting at Palazzo Chigi on Thursday morning, multiple sources indicated that the government is open to dialogue with judiciary members.
Premier Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to meet with leaders of the ANM on March 5 to discuss the proposed changes further. The ANM has criticized the Constitutional reform bill, drafted by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, arguing that it will undermine the judiciary's independence and place State attorneys under executive control.
Nordio has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the reforms are necessary for the modernization of the judicial system. Additionally, the bill has already passed the first of at least four parliamentary votes required for its final approval. The reform includes the establishment of a high court to oversee the conduct of judiciary members and proposes significant alterations to the election process within the judiciary's self-governing body, known as the CSM (Superior Council of Magistracy).
Sources from the government noted that Meloni is also set to meet representatives of Italy's criminal lawyers association prior to her discussions with ANM members, illustrating the administration's commitment to engaging with different sectors of the legal community.
This cabinet meeting was aimed at preparing for the upcoming consultations scheduled for next Wednesday, highlighting the government's intent to foster open communication in light of the ongoing tensions surrounding the proposed judicial changes.
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