Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein closed out the campaign for a national referendum Friday, echoing familiar arguments in favor of rejecting proposed constitutional reforms. The referendum, which concerns changes to Italy’s justice system, has become a key political battleground.
Speaking at a public event in Milan, Schlein urged voters to defend Italy’s “antifascist Constitution,” stating, “Let’s all head vote to defend our Constitution.” She emphasized the Constitution’s universality, arguing, “The Constitution is not a matter of right, left, or center. the Constitution belongs to everyone.”
Schlein expressed confidence that even supporters of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing coalition would vote against the reforms, suggesting they share a commitment to the Constitution. She noted Meloni has previously stated she does not intend to resign, framing the referendum as a defense of constitutional principles.
The Democratic Party leader argued the proposed reforms would not improve justice for citizens but would instead weaken the independence of judges, “who protect all citizens, especially those who do not have the money and power to get away with it.” She called on voters to inform themselves and vote “no,” emphasizing that every vote could be decisive due to the potential for low turnout.
Schlein also criticized the current government as being lenient towards its allies even as pursuing a more punitive approach towards others. She accused the government of attempting to dismantle the judiciary, alleging they seek to decide who serves as a judge based on their alignment with the government’s agenda.
Questioning Standards for Justice Officials
Schlein questioned the government’s commitment to the principle of accountability, pointing to the case of Undersecretary of Justice Andrea Delmastro. “It struck me extremely much that in the referendum campaign, from President Meloni to the rest of the government, they continue to shout ‘whoever makes a mistake pays,’ but it doesn’t apply to them, it doesn’t apply to Delmastro,” she said. She referenced allegations that Delmastro founded a company with the 18-year-old daughter of a man previously investigated and convicted for ties to the Mafia.
Schlein called on Meloni to demand Delmastro’s resignation, arguing she must defend the dignity of institutions and Italian interests instead of protecting her allies.
Criticism of Government’s Response to Current Events
Schlein accused Prime Minister Meloni of exploiting current events to attack the judiciary. “From the first press conference I gave, I said that we would not politicize things, but I expected the government and Giorgia Meloni to do so, and that’s exactly what happened,” she stated. She cited the case of Rogoredo, where an investigation is reportedly intensifying, as an example of the government’s alleged politicization. She claimed that Meloni and Salvini prematurely attacked the judges involved in the case, potentially hindering the investigation.
Schlein argued that if the investigation had been halted based on the government’s criticism, a police officer involved in the incident might still be on duty, damaging the credibility of law enforcement and the function of honest officers.
Concerns About Further Constitutional Changes
“If they win” the referendum, Schlein warned, “they will try to move forward with another constitutional reform, the one on the premiership.” She explained that the proposed changes to establish a directly elected prime minister “go in the same direction of concentrating power more and more in the hands of those in government at the expense of the prerogatives of Parliament and also of the President of the Republic, which we do not want to touch.”
