The National Association of Judges and the National Association of Prosecutors of the Republic of Albania have issued a joint statement regarding the proposed constitutional changes to the justice system in Italy.
The associations emphasized that they appreciate the National Association of Magistrates of the Italian Republic, which, according to them, contributed to fostering an open debate on the protection of constitutional principles and values.
According to them, this demonstrated that a justice system aware of its mission participates actively and responsibly in democratic life, safeguarding the values upon which justice is built.
This reaction came after the recent referendum in Italy was voted “No” with 58.5%. Overall turnout reached 58.9%, while among young people aged 18–28, Generation Z, participation was 67%, with the majority also voting “No” at 58.5%.
“The National Association of Judges of the Republic of Albania and the National Association of Prosecutors of the Republic of Albania have followed with great interest the referendum process in the Italian Republic concerning the proposed constitutional changes to the justice system.
Following the conclusion of the process and the official announcement of the results, we express our appreciation and congratulations to the National Association of Magistrates of the Italian Republic, which, through its active role and professional engagement, contributed to fostering an open debate for the protection of constitutional principles and values. The result of this referendum showed clear support for the guarantor role of the rule of law, which is ensured only by a justice system that has the necessary space to function efficiently and independently.
The Italian magistracy has consistently demonstrated maturity in facing its challenges, many of which have not been easy. Perhaps more than any other system in Europe, it has earned the independence it enjoys today, above all for the sacrifices it has made in the cause of establishing justice and the triumph of legality. The commitment of the National Association of Magistrates of the Italian Republic demonstrated that a justice system conscious of its mission participates actively and responsibly in democratic life, defending the values upon which justice is built.
Such commitment also strengthens the relationship between the justice system and citizens, ensuring accountability and building public trust in justice institutions. In our country as well, it is the duty of justice system bodies and of every magistrate in particular to increase citizens’ trust, just as it is the responsibility of citizens to place appropriate trust in justice institutions, which exist to serve them by protecting constitutional rights and freedoms from any excess by other branches of power.
The justice system, despite the issues that may arise within it, constitutes the oxygen of citizens’ fundamental freedoms. The referendum process in Italy once again demonstrated that the independence of the justice system as a whole remains a cornerstone of any functioning democratic system. In this context, our associations remain determined and fully committed to fulfilling this fundamental mission of guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, drawing on the best experiences of counterpart associations in neighboring countries,” the full statement reads.
