Two days before the justice referendum, Italy's political landscape is shaken by the death of Umberto Bossi, a prominent figure in Italian politics. His passing coincides with an electoral event that echoes back to his political legacy from the early 2000s, a time when his party, the Lega Nord, was instrumental in pushing for comprehensive reforms within the judicial framework.

In 2004, Bossi influenced then-Justice Minister Roberto Castelli to propose a constitutional draft that included several of the reforms currently under discussion, notably the separation of careers between prosecuting and judging magistrates. This aimed to alter the dynamics of the judiciary, promoting a more direct election process for public prosecutors and re-organizing them regionally, which aimed to enhance accountability and local governance. At the time, Bossi's Lega Nord also argued for re-evaluating the obligation of prosecuting offenses, suggesting that it allowed magistrates undue discretion in choosing whom to pursue.

The current referendum not only reflects Bossi’s past legislative ambitions but also highlights ongoing debates in Italy regarding judicial reforms. His death serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions to the judicial discourse, and the proposals he championed continue to resonate in contemporary political discussions.