The referendum campaign has entered its most tense phase following statements by Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who attributed the vote in favor of the reform to "those under investigation, defendants, deviant Freemasonry, and power centers that would not have an easy life with an efficient justice system."
These words sparked a cross-party reaction across the political and institutional worlds. The Superior Council of the Judiciary opened a case, while the controversy escalated to the point of a disciplinary complaint before the Supreme Court.
The prosecutor's attack and the institutional response
Gratteri's intervention was perceived by the majority as an encroachment on political ground. The presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies intervened publicly. Ignazio La Russa called it a "serious statement that offends millions of citizens and raises the level of conflict," while Lorenzo Fontana called for a "sober and constructive debate."
Meanwhile, the CSM is investigating the magistrate's allegations, along with reporting them to the Court of Cassation to assess possible disciplinary action.
The government's reaction: a head-on collision
The government has issued strong statements. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has announced his intention to sue the prosecutor. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio expresses his "shock" and polemically relaunches the issue of psychological aptitude tests for magistrates, suggesting that they might be required "not only at the beginning, but also at the end of a career."
Antonio Tajani also spoke of an "unacceptable attack on freedom," calling the attempt to delegitimize those supporting the "yes" vote "antidemocratic." For the Forza Italia leader, Gratteri's words—along with a recent, since-removed Democratic Party video—represent "the best advert for a yes vote."
Tensions on the "yes" front
The prosecutor's statements overshadow a previous social media controversy involving the Democratic Party, criticized for a promotional video featuring an excerpt from an Olympic curling competition. The content was removed after protests from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the athletes, but the conflict has not subsided.
Among the pro-reform camp, there are also signs of concern about a possible resurgence of the "no" vote, despite Minister Nordio's "confidence." Meanwhile, the "yes" committees are considering a class action lawsuit against Gratteri, while the "Yes to Reform" committee lashes out: "They've hit rock bottom."
The prosecutor himself attempts to downplay the significance of his words, claiming that his speech was "exploited and fragmented," and clarifying that he did not intend to equate all "yes" voters with the individuals mentioned.
The mobilization of the parties
The campaign enters the organizational phase. Brothers of Italy is preparing to intensify its initiatives with the direct involvement of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; among the options is a final rally in Milan in mid-March. Forza Italia is launching the initiative "Trains for Yes," a high-speed train tour from Milan to Reggio Calabria.
The League will define its strategy at the next federal council. The "Yes Separa" committee has announced a conference with magistrates at the Milan courthouse.
On the other side, Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein reiterated from Palermo her "no to magistrates under government control," raising the risk of drifting along the lines of "Orban or Trump." Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte is preparing an event at the Capitoline Hill and a tour of universities and public squares.
The promoters of the signatures formally constituted the "15 for No" committee, providing radio and television space and billboards to coordinate the campaign.
A campaign that is now polarized
Gratteri's words, regardless of subsequent clarifications, mark a point of no return in an already highly polarized referendum campaign. The political debate is now intertwined with disciplinary considerations and potential legal action, while the parties close ranks ahead of the crucial weeks ahead.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 12/02/2026 at 20:29 PM - Improved image quality
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
Prosecutor Gratteri's statement sparked a strong reaction across the political spectrum. It's worrying to see how polarized the debate has become. Constructive discussion would be better than attacks.