ROME – A prosecutor stated Sunday that organized crime figures are likely to support a forthcoming referendum on changes to Italy’s justice system, arguing that the proposed reforms would weaken judicial oversight. The comments from Nino Di Matteo came during a presentation of Marco Travaglio’s book, “Perché no – A Guide to the Referendum on the Judiciary and Politics in Simple Words.”
Mafia Sees Opportunity in Weakened Judiciary
“There will be good people who vote ‘yes,’ of course, but the mafia, the major criminals will vote ‘yes,’” Di Matteo said, according to reports from Il Sole 24 Ore. He explained that mafia organizations would view a ‘yes’ vote as a way to undermine the justice system. This assessment echoes similar sentiments expressed by prosecutor Nicola Gratteri.
Di Matteo further elaborated that when mafia members perceive a political faction challenging the judiciary, they are inclined to support that faction. He cited a historical example from 1987, when some political parties – the Italian Socialist Party and the Radical Party – advocated for a reform regarding the civil responsibility of magistrates. “The mafia was so enthusiastic that, even changing their inclinations towards the Christian Democrats, they decided to vote for the Socialists and the Radicals,” Di Matteo recalled.
He argued that the current reform campaign, advocating for a ‘yes’ vote, relies on a pattern of denigrating the judiciary. “The mafia needs the judiciary to appear delegitimized in the eyes of the public,” he stated. The referendum’s outcome could significantly impact the balance of power between the political and judicial branches in Italy.
Political Reactions to Di Matteo’s Comments
The remarks sparked immediate backlash from political figures. Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies and campaign leader for the ‘yes’ vote within Forza Italia, denounced Di Matteo’s statements as “the delirium of an obsessed individual animated by prejudice.” ANSA reported that Mulè questioned the logic of suggesting that a mayor of Palermo elected with 75% of the vote had attracted mafia support.
The League party also weighed in, criticizing what they described as the “arrogance and violence” of those opposing the referendum. They stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Italians would “give them a good lesson in education and democracy” on March 22 and 23, the dates of the referendum.
Conte Addresses Historical Connections
Also present at the book presentation was Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement. Conte noted that opponents of the referendum often invoke Licio Gelli, a controversial figure associated with the P2 Masonic lodge, but that Gelli’s son has claimed copyright over the ideas behind the proposed reforms. “There are rights to intellectual property and they must be protected,” Conte said, according to Adnkronos. He argued that the reforms represent a move to give politicians more power at the expense of the judiciary, potentially creating opportunities for impunity.
