My colleagues for the Yes are scared of the ANM
A judge in Milan publicly supports the constitutional reform referendum, defying a collective opposition among her peers.
In an environment where nearly 600 judges in Milan are expected to vote against a proposed constitutional reform, Anna Ferrari, a civil court judge, stands out as the sole voice publicly advocating for a 'Yes' vote. She acknowledges that her candidacy might not be unique, but she has chosen to voice her support amid a backdrop of strong opposition, particularly from the National Association of Magistrates (ANM), which has rallied behind the 'No' campaign.
Ferrari's courage to express her position is rooted in her confidence in her professional evaluations, having successfully passed seven assessments, which gives her the freedom to speak out without fear of retribution. The atmosphere among her colleagues is described as one of caution and intimidation, where many judges may quietly support reform but refrain from declaring their stance due to the prevailing influence of the ANM. She hints at a generational divide, suggesting that younger judges may feel particularly pressured by the ANM's dominant stance against the reform.
This situation reflects broader tensions within the Italian judicial system, where individual judges face challenges in expressing dissenting opinions against organized groups that hold sway over their professional lives. Ferrari's remarks may encourage a more open dialogue among judges regarding the merits of the constitutional reforms and highlight the need for individual voices among a collective stance.