CSM Reform Criticized by Justice Minister Nordio

Rome: The judiciary’s self-governing body, the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM), is not working as it should, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio told a congress at the Lower House on Tuesday. Nordio has proposed a Constitutional reform bill to separate the career paths of judges and prosecutors and to overhaul the way CSM members are elected, a proposal currently under examination by Parliament.

According to Ansa News Agency, Nordio emphasized the need for accountability within the judiciary, stating that an “incapable judge who does not keep up to date must be penalised in his career.” He questioned the reliability of the current system by pointing out the inconsistency of having 99.99% of judgments on magistrates being rated as excellent, only to later discover discrepancies. Nordio highlighted the existence of factions within the CSM, alleging that magistrates protect one another within the self-governing body.

The proposed reform aims to distinctly separate the career paths of prosecutors and judges, preventing judiciary members from switching between these roles. The Constitutional reform bill, which has passed the first of at least four necessary parliamentary votes, also proposes the creation of a high court to discipline judiciary members and alters the election process for the CSM using a draw method.

Addressing the congress of the centrist Noi Moderati party, a member of the ruling coalition, Nordio declared the reform “untouchable” as it has already received approval from one branch of Parliament. He expressed his desire for the reform to be voted on in a referendum following a “serene debate,” ensuring that neither magistrates nor politicians are humiliated, regardless of the outcome.

The magistrates’ union ANM recently organized a nationwide strike opposing the reform, arguing that it aims to place prosecutors under the executive’s control, a claim Nordio has rejected.