In an email sent on October 19, Marco Patarnello, a substitute prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, emphasized the importance of defending citizens’ rights to an independent judiciary, stirring significant political controversy. His remarks, disseminated on the ANM platform and gaining traction on social media, prompted responses from top government officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Senate President Ignazio La Russa. La Russa highlighted the “deafening silence” from many regarding Patarnello’s comments and called for a reduction in hostility, stressing the need for a collaborative resolution to ongoing disputes between the judiciary and government.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini took a harsher stance, asserting that Patarnello does not deserve his position, accusing him of conflating the court with a “social center” and a “place of political vengeance.” In contrast, the ANM (National Association of Magistrates) defended its role, asserting that it is not opposed to the government but rather aims to uphold judicial independence and autonomy. President Giuseppe Santalucia emphasized the absurdity of portraying the judiciary as adversarial to political institutions, clarifying their commitment to maintaining institutional integrity.
Opposition leader Giuseppe Conte criticized Meloni for her handling of the situation, accusing her of repeatedly distorting reality to obscure the facts surrounding Patarnello’s email. Conte’s remarks highlight a growing tension between the government and opposition as they navigate this complex issue. Patarnello, who has a distinguished judicial career, noted the unprecedented nature of the current attacks on the judiciary, suggesting they are more insidious than those seen during Berlusconi’s tenure.
He expressed concern over the current political landscape, stating that Meloni’s lack of personal legal troubles empowers her to pursue a political agenda that threatens the very foundation of the judiciary. Patarnello warned of a highly cohesive majority that poses a significant risk to judicial independence, leading to a precarious situation for the Italian legal system. The email’s fallout has sparked reactions that ANM described as “exorbitant,” with Magistratura Indipendente reminding that political leaders should always be treated as institutional interlocutors deserving respect, regardless of party affiliation.
