On the afternoon of Thursday, April 10, 2025, the magnificent setting of Casino Massimo Lancellotti in Rome played host to a significant event, organized by the Stati Uniti d’Italia Cultural Association, under the presidency of Hon. Manuel Vescovi and moderated by Attorney Emanuela Fancelli, Director of Radio Centro Musica 1 and Vice President of the Association.
This well-organized initiative addressed, with both depth and expertise, the issues of justice, communication, and the relationship between institutions and citizens, featuring distinguished speakers from the academic, governmental, and journalistic spheres.
The discussion opened with Professor Fabrizio Giulimondi, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Copernicus Superior School in Warsaw and Professor of Constitutional Law, whose detailed and structured intervention offered invaluable insights for further reflection. Professor Giulimondi provided a comparative overview of the Italian judicial system alongside those of other EU nations, offering a comprehensive analysis of organizational models and shared challenges.
Following this, Hon. Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, Undersecretary for Justice, discussed the current challenges facing both the government and parliament in the ongoing judicial reforms. He emphasized that the main goal is to ensure the genuine independence of the judiciary—not only from external pressures but also from internal political influences.
Dr. Cesare Parodi, President of the National Association of Magistrates, provided a clear and thorough account of the judiciary’s position on the proposed reforms, focusing particularly on the controversial suggestion of selecting members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary by lottery. Dr. Parodi pointed out the significant concerns with this proposal, arguing that it is incompatible with the need for a responsible and transparent selection process for this crucial body.
Hon. Manuel Vescovi, President of the organizing association, addressed a particularly sensitive issue: the growing public distrust in the judiciary. He noted that such mistrust often arises from isolated incidents involving individual members, which are then generalized, leading to a widespread discrediting of the entire institution. “This phenomenon,” he stressed, “is not limited to the judiciary; it also affects politics, law enforcement, public administration, and business. It is vital to restore credibility and transparency, as trust in our institutions is the cornerstone of democracy.”
Dr. Matteo Valléro, an editorialist, focused on the media’s role, highlighting how sensational headlines are often created to capture attention but, in doing so, can distort reality, leading to a biased and superficial public understanding.
In her concluding remarks, Attorney Emanuela Fancelli emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between institutions and the necessity of fostering relationships based on cooperation and mutual trust. She also recalled a famous statement by Judge Giovanni Falcone, illustrating how words, when taken out of context, can easily be misconstrued.
At a particularly sensitive time for Italy, marked by clear tensions between branches of government, this event served as a meaningful—and, in some ways, symbolic—opportunity. Undersecretary Delmastro and President Parodi—representing two often opposing institutional spheres—accepted the invitation from the Stati Uniti d’Italia Cultural Association to engage in an open dialogue with a diverse audience, not limited to legal professionals. Their participation was marked by composure, openness, and a sense of institutional responsibility, sending a strong message of their commitment to civil discourse and mutual respect.
Once again, the Stati Uniti d’Italia Association has proven itself to be a vital cultural hub and a key platform for meaningful dialogue among diverse ideas, experiences, and institutions.
