Justice referendum, European Greens urge voters to “vote ‘No’ to defend the independence of the judiciary”

Brussels – The European Green Party (EGP) has set out its position ahead of the Italian constitutional referendum on the justice system, for which polling stations will open on Sunday, 22 March and Monday, 23 March. In a statement released today (19 March), the group, which brings together the main environmentalist political forces in the European Union – including the Italian party Europa Verde led by Angelo Bonelli and Fiorella Zavatta – calls on Italian citizens to vote “no” to oppose constitutional amendments that “would jeopardise the independence of the judiciary and shift the institutional balance towards its executive branch.” 

“The Italian Constitution, in force since 1948, emerged from the anti-fascist struggle and has been central to protecting democracy, fundamental rights, and the division of powers. It is designed to prevent the concentration of power. Yet these proposed changes shift that balance in favour of the government and weaken key democratic safeguards,” said Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the EGP. This view was echoed by the other co-chair, Ciarán Cuffe, who emphasised that “equality before the law, and the independence of the judiciary are carved in stone in Italy’s constitution.” Therefore, “tThe Constitution is a bulwark of democracy, and once again must be defended against attempts to weaken its safeguards. we stand with Europa Verde in calling people to vote NO,” he added.