In an increasingly tense political context, the president of Magistratura Democratica, Silvia Albano, recently expressed her concerns about the current state of justice in Italy. During a conference held in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the association, Albano underlined the importance of the supremacy of European law and criticized the pressures that judges are subjected to in their work.
Albano said he did not want to enter into conflict with the government, but he highlighted how it is the latter that seeks a clash. He spoke of an unbearable personalization in Italian politics, where judges are frequently put under pressure.
“There are judges who try to do their job,” Albano said, noting the unanimous support he received from several legal communities, including the Union of Criminal Chambers and the associations of law professors of the European Union. They all agreed on the importance of the supremacy of European law, a principle that cannot be ignored. The president highlighted how the stigmatization of judges who apply the Constitution represents a threat to democracy. She decried the use of labels such as “communist judge” for those who try to defend constitutional values.
During the conference, Albano firmly reiterated that members of the judiciary do not possess extreme ideologies such as Mao’s Little Book or Marx’s Capital, but rather adhere to the fundamental principles established by the Italian Constitution. He warned against this type of rhetoric, which can compromise the integrity of the democratic system. Concluding his speech, Albano drew attention to the need to protect justice and its independence to ensure a stable future for Italian democracy. His position invites us to reflect on the importance of the judiciary as a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies and on the effects of political pressure on fundamental rights. At a time when democratic institutions are being put to the test, the voice of judges is more crucial than ever. Dialogue and respect for constitutional norms are the foundation on which to build a better future for all.
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