Tensions are high over the referendum. The storm was sparked by the comments of Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri.
"Those who will vote yes are those under investigation, defendants, deviant Freemasonry, and power centers that would not have an easy life with an efficient justice system," the magistrate states. A forceful intervention that provokes the ire of the governing coalition.
Ministers responded harshly, but the presidents of both chambers also weighed in. From Palazzo Madama, Ignazio La Russa retorted: "I am shocked by this serious statement that offends millions of citizens and raises the stakes." Asked by ANSA, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Lorenzo Fontana expressed his "regret" and reiterated his call for a "sober and constructive debate."
While the "yes" committees prepare a class action lawsuit and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announces his intention to sue the prosecutor, the CSM (Court of Justice) opens an investigation into Gratteri's statements. This initiative complements the report to the Supreme Court of Cassation "to assess the possible existence of disciplinary grounds." While awaiting any action, political controversy is heating up. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio says he is "dismayed" by the magistrate's remarks, polemically questioning whether "the psychological aptitude test we proposed for the beginning of a magistrates' career is also necessary for the end of their career."
Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani was also clear, calling it "an unacceptable attack on freedom." "Threatening and attacking those who think differently is truly anti-democratic," insisted the Forza Italia leader. He then went on the counteroffensive: "Gratteri's, along with yesterday's Democratic Party ad, is the best ad for a 'yes' vote." The Foreign Minister compared the prosecutor's interview to the video published by the Democratic Party, in which an excerpt from the Italian curling champions' Olympic competition was used to urge people to vote 'yes' in the referendum . The post was removed after protests from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the athletes themselves. But the countermeasure was not enough to stem the attacks from the 'yes' camp.
