Italian Government Sets Date for Referendum on Constitutional Reform of Justice
The Italian government has announced that a referendum on the constitutional reform of justice will take place on Sunday, March 22, and Monday, March 23, coinciding with supplementary elections to fill vacant seats in Veneto. This decision was made by the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had previously hinted at the possibility of a referendum. The vote is expected to take place in just over two months, allowing the implementing rules to be passed before the new CSM (Consiglio Superiore della Magistratura) takes office.
Opposition Reaction and Potential Appeals
The opposition has criticized the government’s decision, with the Five Star Movement stating that the government is afraid of giving citizens sufficient time to inform themselves about the reform. The Civil Society Committee for No has also expressed concerns, claiming that the government fears the success of the signatures collected for the referendum. The committee has announced that it will appeal the decision, which may lead to a delay in the referendum. However, government sources have dismissed the possibility of an appeal, calling it “outlandish and illegitimate according to all jurists.”
Preparations for the Referendum
Despite the potential for appeals, the government is moving forward with preparations for the referendum. The Undersecretary, Alfredo Mantovano, has explained that the date had to be decided by January 17th, according to article 15 of law 352 of 1970. The rule states that the referendum must be called within 60 days of communication of the order of the Central Office for the referendum, which admitted the referendum requests on November 18. The committees on both sides of the debate have been working for weeks, with the “Yes” front studying “clear and simple” slogans to express the concept of “voting yes for fair justice.” The “No” front, led by figures such as Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte, is also taking shape.
Financial Commitment and Support
The financial commitment for the “Yes” campaign is expected to be significant, with internal sources estimating a budget of between 500 thousand and one million euros. The “Left that votes Yes” has also gathered support, with Augusto Barbera, a jurist and former minister, defining the reform as “liberal” and framing the referendum as “not a vote for or against the Meloni government.” Other prominent figures, such as Benedetto Della Vedova and Raffaella Paita, have also expressed their support for the reform.
For more information on the referendum and the constitutional reform of justice, visit Here