In a heated debate on the upcoming justice referendum, former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte clashed with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio in Palermo. The confrontation marked their first direct exchange regarding the contentious issues surrounding judicial reform in Italy. Despite calls from the presidency to lower the rhetoric, Conte intensified his attacks, claiming the government's approach embodied 'criminal politics.' This term underscored his concerns about various legislation, starting with the law concerning rave parties, which he argues negatively impacts civil liberties.

During the debate, Nordio attempted to de-escalate tensions by outlining the government's future plans for judicial dialogue with legal professionals and academia upon winning the referendum. Nonetheless, Conte held firm on his opposition, articulating that the government's reforms are fundamentally flawed and damaging to the legal system. The event was also attended by law students from Palermo who posed questions, adding an educational dimension to the political sparring.

Conte's aggressive stance not only addresses immediate legal reform issues but also serves as a strategic move to regain political ground against rivals like Elly Schlein, who has taken an early lead in advocating for the referendum. This debate signals critical crossroads in Italian politics, with implications not only for legal structures but also for party dynamics as elections loom ever closer in Italy's complex political landscape.