The National Magistrate's Association admits: "30 years for justice for Berlusconi is not civil."

Twenty-four hours after Marina Berlusconi's letter, which addressed the "slander and false accusations" that had "poisoned" her father's life for 30 years, the National Magistrates' Association (ANM) admits that the timing of the Berlusconi affair is not that of a civilized country.

This was stated by Cesare Parodi, president of the union of judges, following remarks made on Saturday at the union's general assembly. He stated that "the timing didn't work" in the former prime minister's judicial history, before adding that "any affair that lasts 30 years is something a civilized country shouldn't have to deal with."

As for whether the Forza Italia founder may have been subjected to judicial persecution, the leader of the judiciary union is ready to "condemn him if that had happened," but "I don't know if it happened: justice certainly cannot be exploited for political ends," he added.

These words provoked a reaction from Forza Italia. "It's a great step forward," Senator Licia Ronzulli stated, "moving from calling the unacceptable length of Prime Minister Berlusconi's trial 'physiological' to considering it 'something a civilized country should not recognize.'"

For the party founded by the Cavaliere, "it is also commendable that the president of the National Magistrates' Association is finally taking an open stand against the exploitation of justice for political ends. It's a shame, however, that he then opposes legislative measures that would prevent distortions and abuses, such as the separation of careers and the civil liability of magistrates."

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, however, returned to attacking the words used by President Parodi on Saturday, on the sidelines of the assembly that launched the referendum campaign. "The National Association of Magistrates has closed itself off, defending the privilege of being able to do anything," the minister argued, "even the most unjust, without ever having to answer to anyone, without any consequences, in the obstinate defense of the principle that everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others. This, in my humble opinion, is not how democracies grow and strengthen."

The controversy comes on the eve of the week when the Senate is expected to give final approval to the career separation reform. Then the referendum campaign will begin. "It's still an open game," Parodi cut short. "Minister Nordio has made his choices." Now, "there's no time to talk. It wasn't possible to engage in dialogue, and we acknowledge that."

For the leader of the judicial union, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, even if the reform is approved, it will still be "important to keep a channel open with politicians." For her part, Minister for Reforms Elisabetta Casellati argued that "we must guarantee all citizens a clear, effective, and transparent justice system, independent of media pressure or public opinion. This is the commitment we made to the Italians that we intend to honor to the fullest."