Italy Senate Approves Judicial Reform Ahead of National Referendum

Italy's Senate has approved a significant judicial reform bill spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which mandates the separation of career paths for judges and prosecutors, preventing them from switching roles. This reform also proposes splitting the single judiciary council into two distinct bodies for judges and prosecutors, with new mechanisms intended to limit internal influence, including parliamentary involvement in appointments and a lottery system for council members. Meloni and her right-wing government argue the reform will enhance judicial impartiality and efficiency, counteracting alleged political biases within the judiciary. However, the reform faces strong opposition from magistrates, legal associations, and centre-left parties, who warn it could undermine judicial independence and increase political influence over prosecutors. The reform will be subject to a national referendum next spring due to insufficient parliamentary supermajority, with public opinion sharply divided, making it a critical test for Meloni's leadership. The judicial overhaul comes amid broader tensions between Meloni's coalition and the judiciary, highlighting ongoing challenges in Italy's slow justice system.