In Italy, there has been a notable corporate response from the judges within the Consiglio Superiore della Magistratura (CSM) regarding the upcoming referendum on judicial reforms. The CSM advisors have rallied around the judges of the Court of Cassation who made a controversial ruling that acknowledged 500,000 signatures related to the referendum question. This decision has not only embarrassed the Quirinale but has raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process in light of the impending public vote on significant reforms scheduled for March 22-23. These reforms include the separation of judicial careers, the establishment of two randomly selected CSMs, and an elevated disciplinary court.

The most contentious figures in this debate are judges like Alfredo Guardiano and Donatella Ferranti, who are vocally opposing the reforms, which has drawn ire from conservative political circles. Their opposition to the proposed changes has complicated an already tenuous situation leading up to the referendum. The possibility of further legal battles regarding the legitimacy of the petitions and the process itself threatens to overshadow the referendum's significance. The atmosphere is charged, with both sides preparing for a fractious engagement through legal avenues and public opinion.

Overall, the CSM's involvement highlights the deep divisions in the Italian judiciary regarding the proposed reforms. The outcome of the referendum will not only affect the structure of judicial governance in Italy but will also reflect the broader societal tensions regarding judicial independence, political influence, and the future of justice in the country. As the vote approaches, the implications of this controversy will be closely watched by legal experts and political analysts alike, signaling a critical moment in Italy's ongoing struggle with judicial reform.