Antonio Baldassarre, an influential legal scholar who has had a long and distinguished career, currently aged 85, has expressed his views on the recent accusations made by Nicola Gratteri related to the upcoming referendum. With a background from the left and a history of association with the Italian Communist Party (PCI), Baldassarre served as a Constitutional Judge for over a decade and has held prestigious positions including President of the Constitutional Court and President of RAI. In response to Gratteri's controversial statements directed at those voting 'Yes' in the referendum, Baldassarre suggests that Gratteri has 'lost his temper', attributing his outburst to his passionate nature.

Baldassarre discusses his decision to vote 'Yes' on the referendum, highlighting that the reform aligns directly with the Italian Constitution, specifically Article 111, which embodies the right to a fair trial and mandates an accusatory legal process in Italy. He articulates that voting 'Yes' is a defense of the Constitution itself, making the case that rejecting the reform would imply opposition to constitutional principles. This stance reveals the significant implications of the referendum, framing it as not merely a procedural change but a matter of upholding fundamental rights enshrined in the nation's foundational legal document.

His remarks also reflect a concerning divide within the Italian judiciary, as he notes his surprise and disappointment regarding certain members of the magistracy opposing the reform. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in Italian legal and political discourse, particularly about the balance between rights and responsibilities in the justice system, revealing a critical juncture for Italy as it navigates debates over constitutional reform.