Naples, March 17 – Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein was in Naples yesterday, March 17, where she passionately urged citizens to vote ‘No’ in the upcoming referendum. Speaking alongside Pierluigi Bersani at the PD’s ‘Vote No to Defend the Constitution’ initiative at the Maritime Station, Schlein asserted that the proposed reform would be “harmful to citizens’ rights” and would weaken the independence of judges.
Schlein: Reform Undermines Justice and Judicial Independence
Schlein’s central argument revolved around the perceived negative impact of the reform on the justice system. “We are committed to stopping a reform that is harmful to the rights of citizens, a reform that does not improve justice, as even Nordio says, that does not speed up trials, does not stabilize justice precarious workers, but that splits and draws lots for the CSM, thereby weakening the independence of judges, and not protecting them. We will vote NO convinced to defend our Constitution,” declared Schlein.
She highlighted that the reform, if passed, would not only fail to improve the efficiency of legal processes but would also compromise the fundamental principle of the separation of powers, a cornerstone of the Italian Constitution. Schlein underscored the importance of an independent judiciary in a democratic society, stating, “Our founding fathers wanted to fix a principle in the Charter, which is that of the separation of powers, and that is what protects all citizens because every power, even that of those who govern, must meet an adequate limit. For us, in a democracy, even those who govern must be subjected to a legality check.”
Criticism of Government’s Stance and Nordio’s Comments
The Democratic leader also addressed Justice Minister Nordio’s repeated suggestions that the reform would eventually benefit future governments. Schlein firmly rejected this notion: “It’s simple, Minister: we don’t want it to serve us, because we will go to government and we want to be subjected to a legality check. We want to be controlled, because that’s how democracy works, and we hold our Constitution dear.”
She further criticized the government’s approach, urging the Prime Minister to “stop exploiting every current event to attack judges.” Schlein specifically referenced the Prime Minister’s social media commentary on judicial matters, likening it to “judicial cronaca.”
Solidarity with Protesting Students and Call for Clarity on Iran
During her address, Schlein expressed solidarity with a student who protested outside the Ministry of Justice due to the denial of voting rights for five million off-site students. She also called for greater clarity from the government regarding its stance on the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Schlein questioned whether the government would deny the use of military bases should former US President Trump request them, warning against supporting “unilateral attacks that violate international law.” She also urged the government to commit to not participating in any coalition Trump might form to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, fearing it would drag Italy into an “illegal war.”
“We must ask Trump and Netanyahu to stop, and the government is not yet doing this. Meanwhile, every day this illegal war decided by Netanyahu and Trump costs citizens 16.5 million more in petrol and fuel alone, 10 of which go into the state coffers. I ask the Meloni government when they will return these 10 million to citizens,” Schlein concluded, linking the international conflict to domestic economic burdens.
Bersani and Gratteri Echo Concerns
Pier Luigi Bersani, speaking at the same event, emphasized the importance of every vote in the upcoming referendum. He criticized the reform’s provisions regarding the drawing of lots for the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM), calling it an “insult” to the independence of magistrates. He sarcastically questioned whether the reform aimed to “free people who don’t want to be freed? Or do you want to free Santanchè? Or Delmastro?”
Adding to the chorus of opposition, Naples Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, speaking on Radio Capital’s TG Zero, expressed his certainty that “mafias will be happy in case of a ‘Yes’ victory in the referendum.” He reiterated his belief that “mafias, deviant Freemasonry, and centers of power will vote ‘Yes’.” Gratteri also commented on the controversy surrounding Giusi Bartolozzi, the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Justice, who in a televised debate stated, “vote ‘Yes’ and we will get rid of the judiciary, they are execution squads.” Gratteri attributed her remarks to a “moment of lack of lucidity,” suggesting she was “very nervous and agitated and let herself go.”
The referendum campaign is intensifying across Italy, with political figures like Schlein actively campaigning to influence public opinion on this critical constitutional issue.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_17/referendum-schlein-a-napoli-si-voti-no-alla-riforma-dannosa-per-i-cittadini-e84d9365-2122-4057-981c-5bbdc7584xlk.shtml
