The Italian Parliament has officially appointed four new judges to the Constitutional Court, known as the Consulta, marking the end of a prolonged selection process. After fourteen rounds of voting to fill one position and five additional rounds for the remaining three, the Parliament finally reached a consensus on February 13, 2023.
The newly elected judges are Francesco Saverio Marini, Roberto Cassinelli, Massimo Luciani, and Maria Alessandra Sandulli. Massimo Luciani emerged as the most notable candidate, securing 505 votes, followed closely by Cassinelli with 503, Sandulli with 502, and Marini with 500. The election was characterized by intensive negotiations among political parties, which became imperative for restoring the full complement of judges to the Consulta.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her satisfaction with the broad agreement reached across the parliamentary spectrum, stating, "Soddisfazione per l'accordo ampio" (Satisfaction for the broad agreement). This sentiment was echoed across various groups, highlighting the collaborative effort undertaken to elect the new justices.
The voting began at 9:30 AM as senators and deputies convened for the decision-making process. A unique aspect of this election was the ability of party groups to arrange their preferred candidates on the voting ballot. Members from the Democratic Party (PD), for example, prioritized their candidate, Luciani, at the top of their list.
Massimo Luciani, appointed to the Consulta representing the PD, has had a distinguished academic and professional career. Before this new role, he served as professor of public law at the University of Rome La Sapienza and was also recognized for his contributions as the former president of the Italian Association of Constitutionalists from 2015 to 2018. His expertise will likely influence significant judicial decisions, particularly those involving constitutional interpretations.
Roberto Cassinelli, hailing from Forza Italia, has garnered significant political experience over his lengthy career, having previously served as both senator and deputy. Known for tackling subjects related to justice and constitutional law, his background positions him well for this new role on the bench.
Another key appointee is Maria Alessandra Sandulli, who specializes in administrative law and has notable experience from her previous positions within government study commissions. Her insights will be pivotal, especially as the court navigates complex cases involving administrative matters.
Francesco Saverio Marini, recognized as the youngest of the group, has vast expertise in public law. His youth combined with his practical experience within various governmental bodies may impart fresh perspectives to the court's legal deliberations.
The successful election not only reflects political consensus but is also fundamental to reinstilling the full functionality of the Consulta after 460 days without the complete bench. This gap was due to previous vacancies left by departing judges, highlighting the importance of these new appointments.
After the final tally was announced, the President of the Chamber, Lorenzo Fontana, alongside the Senate President, Ignazio La Russa, confirmed the results. Echoing the overarching achievement, they stated, "Il Parlamento ha compiuto il suo dovere verso la Consulta" (The Parliament has fulfilled its duty toward the Consulta), emphasizing the significance of the moment for Italy’s judicial system.
The four new judges are expected to take their oaths before President Sergio Mattarella, symbolizing their formal entry onto the court. Their induction is seen not only as the fulfillment of the Parliament's legal obligations but also denotes the revitalization of the judiciary’s operational capacity as they prepare to tackle pressing matters of constitutional law.
Judges' backgrounds suggest they will bring their diverse experiences to the court's deliberations, potentially impacting important rulings affecting the Italian populace. While it is too early to predict how these new justices will shape the court’s direction, their academic prowess and recognized professional achievements indicate they are equipped to address the complex challenges facing the Consulta.