The center-right coalition is making another attempt to appoint Francesco Saverio Marini as the next judge of Italy’s Constitutional Court. Marini currently serves as a legal advisor to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Instead of waiting until December when the terms of three judges expire, the coalition is pushing for an agreement now. There are rumors that additional voting could occur before the end of the year, but if these attempts fail again, the majority may choose three judges on their own, leaving just one position open for opposition parties. This strategy appears aimed at deepening divisions among minority parties.
This latest failed attempt marks the eighth unsuccessful voting session to fill the vacant seat on the court, leading to frustration and accusations, particularly among members of Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy (FdI). After it became clear that the necessary votes were lacking, a furious Meloni remained in Palazzo Chigi, expressing her grievances to her staff and blaming the opposition for failing to fulfill a constitutional obligation. In contrast, Elly Schlein of the center-left celebrated the outcome as a victory and expressed hope for a new dialogue with the ruling coalition, asserting that their unity had thwarted what she termed Meloni’s “attempted blitz” to secure a judge without proper negotiation.
The parliamentary session concluded without any decision being reached. Early in the day, opposition groups gathered separately to strategize on how to boycott the vote. The Five Star Movement’s approach, favored by Action, was to enter the chamber and refrain from casting a ballot, thereby officially recording their opposition to the ruling coalition’s method of proceeding without discussions. This situation is further complicated by Marini’s involvement in drafting the controversial reform on executive power, which is expected to be challenged in the Constitutional Court.
As the day progressed, it became evident that the center-right coalition would not secure the required 363 votes, even with anticipated support from minority parties. Consequently, the coalition was instructed to vote blank, resulting in 323 votes, with 9 ballots lost and 10 invalid. Many deputies and senators, alerted via social media, rushed to Montecitorio, while some expressed regret over canceling other commitments to attend the vote.
In response to the voting outcome, center-right leaders issued a statement condemning the opposition’s conduct as “institutionally embarrassing,” claiming they had turned a crucial parliamentary duty into a political battleground. They accused the left of lacking respect for institutions. In response, Schlein labeled their position as “hypocritical,” asserting that a genuine dialogue with the opposition could have prevented the current situation. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, celebrated the failure of Meloni’s plan, affirming that his party had never engaged in under-the-table agreements.
