Referendum, Marina Berlusconi writes to 'Repubblica': 'There is a risk of voting more with the gut than with the head'

"Can we still hope that the vote on March 22-23 will free itself from the ideological cages in which it increasingly seems to be trapped? Justice should be a common heritage, not a worn-out identity flag to wave against the political opponent." This is written by Marina Berlusconi in a letter to the editor of the newspaper la Repubblica.

"It seems - adds the firstborn of Silvio Berlusconi - that much of the debate revolves around a single question, as simplistic as it is misleading: whether we want a "right-wing" or "left-wing" justice. The risk is to vote more with our gut than with our heads, losing sight of what really matters: the values of serious equity; before the law and the right balance of powers, the credibility of institutions, and the quality of our own democracy.

"Justice and politics - writes Marina Berlusconi again - should run on well-distinguished tracks. For this to be truly guaranteed, in my opinion, a real separation of careers between judges and public prosecutors is necessary. Only in this way is the impartiality of the judicial function assured, always with full respect - indeed with a strengthening - of the autonomy and independence of the judiciary. A crucial element of the reform is the creation of a clear barrier to the influence of politics within the Csm, the self-governing body of judges. The barrier is introduced with the drawing of lots for its members who, consequently, will be freed from the yoke of factions.

"True justice should not bear labels - writes the daughter of the founder of Forza Italia - it should, rather, embody a value that is completely transversal, that of the necessary respect for the civil rights of individuals. For all these reasons, I believe that the referendum battle is decisive."

"How I will vote I think is clear. However, I am certain of one thing: if the yes wins, it will not be a victory for the government or Forza Italia, nor a posthumous victory for my father. I simply think it will be a great victory for the Italians" concludes Marina Berlusconi.