Understanding to Choose: An Open Debate on Justice Reform in Catania with Giuffrè and Bisogni

In view of the constitutional referendum on justice on March 22 and 23, Catania will host tomorrow, at 3:30 PM, in the “C. Marchesi” Auditorium of the Palace of Culture, a meeting titled “Understanding to Choose: First Information, Then Discussion”. The initiative stems from the belief that every democratic choice requires adequate knowledge of the issues at stake. At the center of the debate is the constitutional reform of the judicial system, with a specific focus on the activities, duties, and functions of the Public Prosecutor, a crucial figure in the system that would be among the first affected by the proposed changes.

The manifesto for the event states: “There is no informed choice without knowledge, and there is no vibrant democracy without critical discussion”. Special attention will be given to the younger generation. Lawyer Agrippina Blangiforti, one of the promoters, shares that the idea developed through conversations with her grandchildren and their friends, “active young people in social issues but nonetheless disoriented by the complexity of the reform.”

“Exercising an informed vote when intervening on the Constitution is the first duty of a citizen,” she emphasizes. The challenge, therefore, is to transform a topic perceived as “for professionals only” into content accessible to everyone, particularly the new generations.

In a polarized political climate dominated by slogans, “Understanding to Choose” stands out for featuring both opposing positions, “Yes” and No”. While many Sicilian venues host meetings aligned with only one side, the Marchesi Auditorium will host a discussion among different perspectives within the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, aiming to ensure a balanced and authoritative analysis.

“There is no vibrant democracy without discussion – Blangiforti continues –. The principle is that, being a very technical subject, it might initially alienate people, who think it does not affect citizens' lives. But that is not the case, if only because it is a constitutional reform. Propaganda is easy: it is easy to distort with three or four words.”

One of the central issues of the reform concerns the work of the Public Prosecutor. In this regard, Deputy Prosecutor Alessandra Russo will speak, explaining clearly what a prosecutor actually does and how the referendum could impact their role in the administration of justice.

Two CSM councilors will speak next: Professor Felice Giuffrè, lay councilor, and Dr. Marco Bisogni, judicial councilor.

The debate will be moderated by Lawyer Floriana Burgaretta, president of UAS-Unione Avvocatura Catania.

Program:

- Informative introduction on the reform

- The activity of the Public Prosecutor: duties and functions of the prosecuting magistrate

- The reasons for Yes

- The reasons for No

- Space for audience questions

Admission is free and open to anyone who wishes to inform themselves to cast an informed vote. A significant part of the meeting will be dedicated to participants' questions.

The event is sponsored by the University of Catania, UAS-Unione Avvocatura, and A.M.M.I. (Association of Italian Doctors' Wives).