Rome, Nov. 12 (LaPresse) – “After careful reflection, shared with colleagues from the National Magistrates Association, I do not consider it appropriate for me to participate in debates with Minister Nordio, as I believe it would clearly—and thus misleadingly and manipulatively—depict a political confrontation between the government and the judiciary, which does not reflect reality. It is a personal sacrifice for me because I greatly value open debate and have always participated in them,” said ANM president Cesare Parodi. “However, my effort in recent weeks has been to avoid in any way justifying such a prospect, which certainly does not correspond to the will of the organized judiciary. We are close to the Constitution on which we swore an oath, not to any political party, nor will we ever be. Italian citizens must be informed about the reasons for and against the reform, but I believe this should happen without validating—even at the level of public perception—the idea of an organized judiciary politically opposing the government. This is not the case, and no one should be led, even indirectly, to believe it. Any possible debate could support this thesis and distract citizens from the substance of the reform. This is my priority, in the interest of the association I lead but also, I believe, for the general climate the country must perceive—something I care deeply about—at a time when citizens are called to consider constitutional values, as provided by Article 138 of the Constitution,” he concluded.