Italy's Meloni takes on the judiciary, in echo of Berlusconi

17/2/2025 19:33

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is clashing with the country's judiciary in the same way her old political ally and mentor Silvio Berlusconi used to, promising a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of the legal system.



But whereas Berlusconi failed to impose his will on Italy's fiercely independent magistrates and prosecutors, Meloni could yet come out on top, unburdened by the crushing conflict of interest that pegged back her billionaire predecessor.

The judiciary is resisting pressure to change, calling a rare strike later this month over the planned reform.



Separately, courts are challenging a flagship government initiative to redirect migrants away from Italy to Albania.



Meloni's rightist government has cried foul, accusing the powerful judges of playing politics, and has said it will not back down, drawing comfort from opinion polls that show many voters support its uncompromising stance.