31 GENNAIO 2026 - BARI: ANNO GIUDIZIARIO - INTERVENTO FRANCESCO PAOLO SISTO, VICEMINISTRO GIUSTIZIA

Opening Remarks by Vice Minister Francesco Paolo Sisto

Acknowledgment of the Ministry of Justice

• Vice Minister Sisto expresses disappointment that the Ministry of Justice was not acknowledged in the initial greetings, emphasizing the importance of institutional decorum.

Importance of Institutional Collaboration

• He stresses that collaboration among institutions should include respect and proper acknowledgment, indicating this oversight may have been unintentional.

Reflections on Judicial Year Inauguration

Contrast with Previous Years

• Sisto references his attendance at the inauguration ceremony for the judicial year, noting a consistent trend in criticisms directed at the government during these events.

The Role of Judicial Ceremonies

• He argues that such ceremonies should focus on justice rather than political critique, advocating for discussions centered around judicial matters instead.

Call for Respect Among Institutions

Pact for Rule of Law

• Citing President D'Acola's remarks, he highlights a need for mutual respect among state institutions to foster public trust in governance.

Addressing Bureaucratic Challenges

• Sisto acknowledges existing bureaucratic inefficiencies and calls for introspection within the judiciary to address these issues without self-indulgence.

Critique of Political Interference

Separation Between Judiciary and Politics

• He emphasizes that critiques against government actions should not overshadow judicial responsibilities, asserting that judges must remain impartial from political influences.

Constitutional Adherence

• Sisto reassures adherence to constitutional guidelines (Article 138), arguing that changes to laws must follow established procedures involving parliamentary approval and public referendums.

Advocacy for Career Separation in Judiciary

Clarification on Article 111

• He discusses Article 111 regarding equal standing before an impartial judge, stressing its significance in maintaining judicial integrity and fairness.

Comparison with Other Countries

• Sisto contrasts Italy’s unified career system with those in more developed nations where separation is standard practice, suggesting it enhances public confidence in justice.

Discussion on Judicial Independence and Government Critique

Concerns about Government Control

• The speaker expresses caution in labeling the current government as fascist, emphasizing that a democratically elected government should not be judged solely based on disagreements regarding legislative changes like the abolition of abuse of office.

• Legislative measures, including those related to abuse of office and influence traffic, have been approved through proper parliamentary processes, reflecting a consensus among mayors across political lines.

Impartiality and Professionalism in Judiciary

• The speaker references a statement by the President of the Republic highlighting that being a magistrate entails higher standards of impartiality and humility compared to ordinary citizens.

• There is disappointment expressed over what is perceived as politicization during judicial ceremonies, suggesting that critical discourse should not devolve into direct attacks on the government.

Electoral Processes and Judicial Appointments

• A call for silence indicates an attempt to refocus the discussion on institutional roles rather than personal grievances against governmental actions.

• The topic of lottery systems for judicial appointments is introduced, with acknowledgment that existing factional divisions within the judiciary need recognition and reform.

Proposed Reforms in Judicial Selection

• The speaker argues against private associations controlling constitutional bodies like the Superior Council, advocating for reforms to ensure broader representation among legal professionals in judicial appointments.

• A proposal for a "qualified lottery" system aims to balance professional qualifications with political representation while addressing concerns about who can serve on key judicial councils.

Autonomy vs. Political Influence

• Discussion highlights concerns regarding differences between judges who administer justice versus those involved in administrative roles within judicial councils; questioning why certain judges are deemed unfit for council positions despite their qualifications.

• Emphasis is placed on maintaining independence within disciplinary processes while defending autonomy from political interference, countering claims that politics seeks control over judiciary functions.

Addressing Misconceptions About Judicial Power Dynamics

• The argument is made against perceptions that one-third of lay members could unduly influence two-thirds of magistrates; asserting that magistrates retain freedom in decision-making regardless of composition ratios.

• Concluding remarks stress the importance of clarity around these dynamics to avoid misunderstandings about power distribution within judicial structures.

Understanding the Role of Magistrates and Legislative Dynamics

The Strength of a Free Magistrate

• A magistrate's freedom from external pressures enhances their strength and capability, allowing them to express independent consent rather than being perceived as weak.

• The importance of evaluating magistrates based on their actions rather than affiliations is emphasized, highlighting the need for impartiality in judgment.

Reflection on Political Interference

• There is a call for reflection on how political influences can undermine basic principles of logic and mathematics within judicial processes.

• The speaker asserts that while parliamentary laws are written by Parliament, magistrates must apply them without interference, maintaining a clear separation of powers.

Critique of Political Interventions

• Sentences issued by magistrates should be subject to critique but not to the extent that it undermines their duty to fulfill their roles effectively.

• The distinction between different types of magistracy (ordinary vs. "corrente") is made, indicating varying levels of influence and pressure faced by judges.

Responsibilities Within Judicial Roles

• Emphasizes the necessity for all legal professionals—lawyers, judges, public prosecutors—to adhere strictly to their defined roles within the justice system.

• Highlights ongoing efforts by the Ministry towards modernization and adaptation in response to judicial needs despite accusations of neglecting these requirements.

Technological Advancements in Judiciary

• Acknowledges challenges in integrating technology into judicial offices but insists that significant efforts have been made to address these issues comprehensively.

• Discusses public safety measures taken against organized crime and terrorism as part of broader reforms aimed at improving judicial efficiency and effectiveness.

Personnel Management and Future Goals

• Plans for substantial recruitment within the judiciary aim to fully staff positions by 2026—a first-time achievement in this context—are outlined with specific numbers provided for clarity.

• Details about administrative personnel hiring under PNRR initiatives indicate successful targets exceeded regarding employment figures, showcasing commitment to human resource development within the judiciary.

Overview of Judicial System Improvements

Key Achievements in Justice System Efficiency

• The UPP (Unita di Progetto per la Giustizia) has been crucial for the justice system's performance, with magistrates helping to exceed targets in criminal proceedings from 25% to 37.8%.

• An additional investment of over €349 million is allocated for hiring 9,368 personnel, including 7,803 officials and 1,565 assistants, enhancing judicial capacity.

• The stabilization process allows for three years of recruitment from a list of candidates at the Ministry of Justice, ensuring ongoing support beyond initial hires.

Productivity Targets and Results

• By the end of 2024, civil backlog reduction reached an impressive 95.8%, while appellate courts achieved a reduction rate of 99.4%.

• Civil disposition time decreased by 27.8% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2019; criminal cases saw a reduction of 37.8%.

Financial Commitment and Infrastructure Development

• Over €2 billion has already been invested by the Ministry towards these improvements, with full resource commitment assured through to 2026.

• Significant infrastructure projects include the Parco della Giustizia in Bari and expansions at various judicial facilities like Foggia and Trani.

Technological Advancements in Legal Processes

• A major effort has been made towards implementing telematic civil and criminal processes; most objectives have been met but further refinements are needed.

Ethical Considerations in AI Integration

• Legislation (Law No.132/2025) emphasizes that judges must write sentences themselves while advocating for transparency regarding AI use within legal practices.

• The integration of predictive justice raises ethical questions that require careful governance to ensure it benefits rather than controls legal professionals.

Institutional Collaboration for Reform

• Emphasizing institutional collaboration as essential for reforming justice without undermining any parties involved; aims to protect citizens while empowering magistrates.