Italy's PM Launches Blistering Attack on Judiciary Amid Migration Row

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has launched a blistering attack on the nation’s judiciary, claiming that a series of recent court rulings are actively sabotaging government attempts to manage illegal migration. This escalation in rhetoric comes at a critical juncture as Italy prepares for a significant referendum on judicial reform scheduled for March. The Prime Minister’s frustrations boiled over following two specific legal setbacks that have provided ammunition for her argument that certain judges are motivated by political bias rather than a strict adherence to the law. The immediate catalyst for this latest confrontation was a decision by a court in Palermo. The judges ordered the Italian state to pay 76,000 euros in damages to the charity Sea-Watch. This compensation was awarded after the court determined that the government had unlawfully detained a rescue vessel that had bypassed a 2019 naval blockade. Adding to the administration’s anger was a separate ruling in Rome involving a migrant with a criminal record who had been sent to a repatriation centre in Albania. The court granted him compensation because he had been denied the opportunity to contact his relatives. Reacting to these developments, Meloni released a video message questioning the underlying intent of the courts. She asked, “What message is being sent with this long series of objectively absurd decisions — that the government is not allowed to try to combat mass illegal immigration? That whatever law is passed and whatever procedure is put in place, a politicised section of the judiciary is ready to obstruct it?” These legal battles are set against the backdrop of a nationwide vote on 22–23 March, which is widely viewed as a referendum on Meloni’s leadership. The proposed reforms seek to separate the professional paths of judges and prosecutors, a move the government argues is essential for impartiality. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has been vocal in his support, declaring, “On March 22–23 I will vote YES in the referendum to change this in-(justice) system that does not work.” Conversely, the opposition and many high profile magistrates argue that the changes are a thinly veiled attempt to place the judiciary under the thumb of the executive branch. Critics like Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri have framed the choice in stark moral terms, suggesting that those who oppose a functional justice system will support the reform, while “decent people” would vote against it. The intensity of the debate has drawn concern from President Sergio Mattarella, who has urged all parties to show mutual respect during the campaign. However, the government’s stance remains uncompromising. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio went as far as to describe the self governing body of magistrates as a “mafia-like” mechanism. With opinion polls showing the public almost evenly split between the two camps, the outcome of the March vote remains highly unpredictable and will likely shape the political landscape in Rome until the 2027 general election. Prince Andrew’s arrest over ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sharing sensitive information has triggered multiple investigations, threatening the British monarchy’s survival and potentially implicating King Charles, experts warn. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.