The ongoing debate surrounding the referendum for the separation of careers in the judiciary has reached new heights following controversial statements made by Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri. Gratteri suggested that individuals who vote 'No' are respectable citizens, while those voting 'Yes' include the indicted, the mafia, and those involved in corrupt power structures. This claim sparked significant backlash, leading Gratteri to clarify that his comments were taken out of context and that he did not intend to label all 'Yes' voters as belonging to corrupt institutions.

The situation escalated with Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara entering the fray, urging Gratteri to specify in which schools he believes there is propaganda promoting a 'Yes' vote for the referendum. Valditara's comments highlight a significant concern regarding the influence of educational institutions in political discourse, especially in the context of shaping young minds on crucial legal reforms. His insistence on addressing potential biases in schools underscores ongoing tensions in Italian society about judicial reforms and their implications for democracy.

This clash between Gratteri and Valditara illustrates the broader societal divides within Italy regarding how judicial processes and education can serve political ends. As the referendum approaches, these debates will be critical in influencing public perception and engagement with judiciary reform. The intense focus on the motivations behind voting choices indicates a fractured landscape in Italian politics, with major implications for future governance and public trust in legal institutions.