Magistrate's Facebook jab at Prime Minister sparks debate over judicial speech

Following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision to suspend a decree that would have increased magistrates' salaries, a magistrate named Alessandro Di Cicco posted a mocking remark on his Facebook page, calling the premier a "nana borgatara" and suggesting a commissioner would have to intervene. The post, which is no longer visible, was cited by news reports and quickly attracted attention. Enrico Aimi, a lay member of the Consiglio Superiore della Magistratura and former Forza Italia senator, responded by emphasizing that while freedom of expression is protected, judges must maintain decorum and respect for institutions when speaking publicly.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the government over salary reforms. No legal action has been reported, but the exchange highlights concerns about the conduct of public officials. The episode unfolded in Milan, with the magistrate serving in Rome's public prosecutor's office.