ANM Stages Strike to Defend Constitutional Principles Amid Judiciary Reform Concerns

Rome: The president of the judiciary’s union, the National Association of Magistrates (ANM), announced a nationwide strike on Thursday in response to the government’s proposed reform that aims to separate the career paths of prosecutors and judges. This move, according to ANM, is intended to defend the Constitution rather than protect the interests of magistrates.

According to Ansa News Agency, Cesare Parodi, the president of ANM, emphasized that the strike is not aimed at opposing anyone but is a stand in support of constitutional principles deemed essential for citizens. In an interview with Radio 24, Parodi stated, “It is everything but a defence of the corporation. We are not defending any privilege.”

ANM has consistently criticized the Constitutional reform bill, drafted by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, arguing that it could undermine the judiciary by placing State attorneys under executive control. Nordio has refuted these allegations, maintaining that the reform is not intended to weaken the judiciary.

The reform bill, which has undergone the first of at least four required parliamentary votes for approval, proposes the creation of a high court to discipline judiciary members and alters the composition of the judiciary’s self-governing body, the CSM, by introducing a draw process for electing CSM justices.

On Thursday, Parodi highlighted the “concrete risk” of prosecutors being influenced by “strong powers” if the reform is implemented. He voiced concerns about the potential negative impact on citizens, who he believes would be better protected by a State attorney who currently must present evidence for both the defence and prosecution in a trial.

Parodi cautioned against altering the role of prosecutors, which he asserts presently ensures comprehensive fact verification, thereby safeguarding citizens’ rights. “Giving up on this guarantee would be very grave,” warned the ANM president.

In a pre-strike video, the union cited statistics indicating that judges have convicted defendants brought to trial by State Attorneys in less than half of the cases over the past five years. Additionally, ANM noted that switching between judicial roles, permissible only once in a magistrate’s career and requiring a move to a different appeals court, has affected only 0.5% of judiciary members in the past five years.

The strike saw participation from magistrates across Italy, including judges and prosecutors at the supreme Cassation Court. They demonstrated on the steps of the Piazza Cavour building in Rome, wearing robes adorned with cockades in the colors of the Italian flag and carrying copies of the Constitution.