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.

"They've hit rock bottom," insists Nicolò Zanon, president of the "Yes to Reform" Committee. The controversy on social media, which erupted overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, was quickly overshadowed by the shocking statement from the Naples prosecutor.

In the midst of the storm, he tries to scale back his words. "My speech," he explains, "has been exploited and fragmented. I said that, in my opinion, the people who benefit from this system will vote yes, but not everyone who votes yes belongs to the centers of power."

This clarification, however, does little to lower the heat on an already heated referendum campaign. On the "yes" side, where some fears are beginning to spread about a resurgence of the "no" vote, the Minister of Justice has expressed "confidence." From the Brothers of Italy (FdI), Francesco Lollobrigida announces Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's "entry into the fray" with several initiatives. And all eyes are on the party leadership scheduled for Saturday, which is called upon to finalize its schedule and details. Among the possibilities, a final rally in Milan in mid-March remains a possibility. Meanwhile, among the allies, several are not ruling out the possibility of an event with all the leaders on stage. Forza Italia, meanwhile, is launching the "trains for the yes" initiative, with a campaign that will cross the country on the high-speed train from Milan to Reggio Calabria.

The League will define the campaign structure in the federal council. And the "Yes, Separate" committee is preparing for a conference with several magistrates in the Milan courtroom. On the "No" side, Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein from Palermo reiterates her "no to magistrates under government control." She insists: "We don't want either the Orban or Trump models in Italy; we are devoted to our Constitution." The Five Star Movement's Giuseppe Conte is ready for Saturday's event at the Capitoline Hill, with a tour of universities and public squares just around the corner. Meanwhile, the initiators of the signatures have officially formed the "15 for No" committee and are making radio and television airtime and billboards available for informal coordination with the other committees.

(Unioneonline)

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