Judiciary, still controversy over tests. Gratteri attacks, Nordio relaunches the separation of careers –

The controversy over the psycho-aptitude tests for magistrates scheduled for 2026 continues. While the Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio, relaunches the separation of careers: “With reasonable probability and almost certainty” the text “will be presented by the month of April or at the latest in May”. It is in the government program – he reiterates – as is the reform of the CSM. But it is the measure passed in yesterday’s Council of Ministers that sparked the debate. “If politicians believe that tests for magistrates are indispensable and useful – underlines Nicola Gratteri – let’s also do them for politicians, especially those who have positions of responsibility and government”. But, adds the chief prosecutor of Naples, “in addition to the aptitude tests, we also do the narco test because those who are under the influence of cocaine can make altered reasoning or make decisions resulting from blackmail. Since we are here, we also do alcohol test because someone who is perhaps drunk that day can say things that can influence public opinion in a negative way.”

The Keeper of the Seals’ reply is ready: “I have already done the psycho-aptitude test at the time, as far as the others are concerned, I am perfectly available”. And the Italian deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, holds out his hand, pointing out that “everyone does the tests, I don’t see why the magistrate can’t do it too. If they want to do them to politicians too, there’s no problem for me , I took many tests – I was an Air Force officer – I never felt like my dignity had been violated.” Going into the merits of the matter, the head of the Farnesina then adds: “I don’t understand the reason for so much agitation over the psycho-aptitude tests, I don’t find it offensive or interference at all. And I’m convinced that the vast majority of magistrates are happy.” And the PA minister, Paolo Zangrillo, assures: “Certainly Berlusconi hoped for a judiciary of people who exercised their profession with knowledge, so he would be happy with this provision”. The Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, also defends the provision promoted by Nordio: “I am sorry that the ANM judges everything in a preventive manner and is prejudicially opposed to a government initiative. I consider it an act of transparency, It’s nothing invasive, nothing offensive.”

Outcry from the National Association of Magistrates. The president, Giuseppe Santalucia, blurts out: “If we are faced with a candidate who has passed three particularly complex legal tests, what purpose is the psycho-aptitude test? So, is it a personality test or is it a psychiatric screening? The feeling is that the government is currently interested in sending a message: ‘The magistrates are not entirely balanced'”. And Nordio defends himself: Propaganda? No, the entire process of selecting magistrates will be managed by the Superior Council of the Judiciary. Therefore, there will be no government interference.” The conflict is destined to continue.