Italy Meloni pushes ahead with judicial reform
Despite much criticism, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pressing ahead with the restructuring of the judiciary in Italy. The Senate in Rome, in which her coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties has a majority, is today deciding on a fundamental reform. The Chamber of Deputies has already approved the project, which requires an amendment to the constitution. There will probably be a referendum on the matter next year. Only then could the reform come into force.
30.10.2025, 06:53
SDA
The plan is one of the central projects of Meloni's three-party coalition, which has been in government since the fall of 2022. Italy's right - including the late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - has complained for decades that large parts of the judiciary are partisan to the left. More recently, the accusations have increased again. As a result, several judges were placed under police protection.
Politicians should have a say in appointments
There are now plans to strictly separate the careers of judges and public prosecutors: In future, there will only be lawyers in the state apparatus who can either administer justice or bring charges. Up to now, a change has been possible. In addition, there are to be new self-governing bodies for judges and public prosecutors. Parliament is to be involved in their appointment. This would give politicians an indirect influence on personnel decisions.
The reform is highly controversial. The coalition argues that the balance of power between politics and the judiciary needs to be readjusted. Meloni has also repeatedly complained about a biased judiciary. Critics, on the other hand, see the independence of judges and public prosecutors at risk. The opposition rejects the plan, as do major lawyers' associations. There are also accusations against Meloni of wanting to change the separation of powers, as in the USA or Hungary.
Referendum with risk for Meloni
A clear majority for her plans is expected in the Senate. Nevertheless, the head of government will probably have to face a referendum: In Italy, a constitutional amendment only becomes effective immediately with a two-thirds majority. Otherwise, the opposition can push through a referendum.
The referendum is likely to take place in the spring. So far, most constitutional amendments have failed in such votes. This would therefore be a risk for Meloni. The next regular parliamentary elections will take place in 2027. The leader of the right-wing party Fratelli d'Italia wants to run again.
Deputy Prime Minister sees "communist judges" at work
To Meloni's great displeasure, the judiciary has halted one of her most important projects: two camps in Albania to speed up the deportation of Mediterranean migrants. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, spoke of "communist judges" who must be stopped. He himself was on trial for his treatment of migrants. He was acquitted at first instance.
There have long been efforts on the right to limit the influence of the judiciary. Even Berlusconi repeatedly railed against "red robes". He was investigated on many charges. In 2013, he was convicted of tax fraud. There are no such accusations against Meloni.
Meloni also plans direct election of head of government
The head of government is planning another change to the constitution: the direct election of the prime minister by the people. She calls this the "mother of all reforms". In addition, the strongest party is to receive 55% of the seats via a majority bonus in order to be able to govern in a stable manner. Until now, the president has proposed a head of government - usually the winner of the election.
There have been 69 governments in Italy since the end of the Second World War. On average, they lasted just over a year. Meloni could beat the previous record in the fall of 2026. Her alliance also includes the former Berlusconi party Forza Italia and Salvini's right-wing populist Lega.
