In Italy, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has stirred controversy with his remarks suggesting that the factions within the judiciary resemble a 'self-referential consortium' that operates akin to a mafia. In an interview, he proposed a lottery system to eliminate the entrenched networks within the judiciary that he believes compromise its integrity. His comments have sparked outrage primarily from leftist political figures, who view such analogies as damaging and detrimental to judicial independence.

Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party (PD), was quick to respond, condemning Nordio's comparison of judges to mafia members as profoundly serious, especially coming from the Justice Minister. She criticized the government for what she perceives as an unjust attack on the judicial system, calling for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to denounce Nordio's statements. Schlein's reaction underscores a broader concern among left-leaning politicians regarding the implications of Nordio's remarks on the public's trust in the judiciary and its operations.

This controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Italian politics regarding justice reform and the role of magistrates. Nordio's push for reform, including the sorting of magistrates, is seen as an attempt to dismantle established networks that have been accused of fostering corruption. The backlash from the opposition indicates the contentious nature of discussions surrounding judicial reform in Italy, particularly during a time when trust in institutions is a crucial issue.