Giorgia Meloni’s Government advances Major Judicial Reform in Italy
The government of Giorgia Meloni has successfully advanced the approval of a comprehensive judicial reform bill in Italy, fulfilling one of her key electoral promises. This new legislation aims to ensure the separation of the judiciary from political influence, a significant step towards judicial independence.
Key elements of the judicial reform
The reform introduces several critical changes:
- Separation from Political Influence: The new system establishes that the government will no longer have any role in the appointment or promotion of judges within the various judicial bodies in Italy. High-ranking state officials will also be barred from influencing judicial factions.
- Creation of a Grand Jury: A grand jury composed of magistrates will be responsible for evaluating judicial performance, ensuring accountability from within the judiciary itself.
During the parliamentary debate, Tommaso Foti, a deputy from Fratelli d’Italia and the reform’s advocate, emphasized that “citizens deserve impartial judges, independent of political power”.
Ciro Maschio, President of the Justice Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and also from Fratelli d’Italia, highlighted the potential for this reform to be a landmark constitutional change for the judiciary. Key provisions include:
- Independence of Prosecutors: Prosecutors will retain their independence from the Executive Branch and will have no restrictions on their discretion in criminal prosecutions. However, they will need approval from a panel of judges to appeal acquittals in cases of severe crimes.
- Efficiency Measures: The reform aims to speed up legal procedures and enhance efficiency. New, stricter timelines will be imposed for the completion of trials and appeals. Appeals must be resolved within two years, and cassation cases within one year, or the case will be deemed null, except for the most severe crimes.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio praised the reform as “ambitious”, stating it not only seeks to prevent political influence but also aims to expedite legal proceedings. The reform includes measures to:
- Reduce Trial Duration: By enforcing strict time limits for legal processes.
- Digitalization: The judicial processes will be digitalized to enhance efficiency.
- Resource Allocation: The government promises to provide the necessary financial resources to support these changes, including hiring additional judicial staff.
Compliance with EU requirements
The judicial reform by Meloni is also designed to meet the European Union’s requirements under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), ensuring Italy’s compliance with broader EU standards.
The judicial reform spearheaded by Giorgia Meloni’s government marks a significant transformation in the Italian judicial system. By eliminating political influence and enhancing efficiency, the reform seeks to build a more independent and effective judiciary, addressing both national needs and European Union mandates.
