Italian Government's Judicial Reform Faces Referendum Amid Controversial Rhetoric

Italian citizens will vote in a referendum on March 22-23 regarding a judicial reform proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government that would increase oversight of judges and prosecutors. The debate has intensified with controversial statements from government officials, including Justice Ministry cabinet chief Giusi Bartolozzi referring to some judges as an 'execution squad,' which Justice Minister Carlo Nordio later qualified. Critics argue the reform aims to control the judiciary rather than modernize procedures, while the government claims opponents are obstructing necessary changes. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain.