Roberto Cassinelli, the former senator and lawyer from Genoa, has officially been elected as one of the new judges of Italy's Constitutional Court. This significant decision was made on Thursday, February 13, 2025, during a parliamentary session where Cassinelli secured 503 votes, demonstrating strong support among lawmakers. Alongside him, three other judges were also elected: Francesco Saverio Marini, Massimo Luciani, and Maria Alessandra Sandulli.
The election of Cassinelli has been celebrated not just because of the position's prestige but also due to his extensive legal and political career, which started with his involvement in the Italian Liberal Party (PLI). Born on December 10, 1956, Cassinelli graduated from the University of Milan, where he studied law. He has practiced law since 1985 and is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Cassation since 2003. Over the years, he has built a solid reputation as a civil lawyer and arbitrator, specializing particularly in commercial, corporate, banking, and financial law.
His political involvement began early, as he was elected to the Genoa City Council three times between 1981 and 1990. Cassinelli joined Forza Italia upon its founding by Silvio Berlusconi in 1994, transitioning from his liberal roots. He served as deputy during two parliamentary terms (2008-2013 and 2018-2022) and spent part of 2017-2018 as a senator. Throughout his parliamentary career, he consistently focused on issues relating to justice and technology laws, advocating for freedom of expression online. He was also known for his efforts to modernize the legal profession, particularly through his collaboration on the reform of the Italian legal framework, which had not been updated for over seventy years.
The recent vote for Constitutional Court judges follows extensive negotiations among political factions, with Cassinelli and his fellow judges filling vacancies left by Silvana Sciarra, Augusto Barbera, Franco Modugno, and Giulio Prosperetti. The selection was described as forging important political consensus, as the election required fourteen votes for one judge and five votes for the remaining three. The newly elected judges face the responsibility of reviewing laws for constitutional compliance and adjudicating conflicts between state powers.
Officials from across the political spectrum have expressed their excitement and pride over Cassinelli's election. Ilaria Cavo of the Moderates Party stated, "With his balance and experience, he will perform this prestigious task with professionalism, and I am proud to have a Ligurian represent the Supreme Court." Matteo Rosso from Fratelli d'Italia added his congratulations, emphasizing Cassinelli’s rising profile and the honor his election brings to Liguria. "His election strengthens our region’s presence within the constitutional guarantee" he noted.
Luca Pastorino, from the Democratic Party, also expressed admiration, stating, "A position of great national significance has been achieved by a qualified professional, representing not just Cassinelli but all of our region with dignity." Meanwhile, Marco Bucci, the president of the Liguria Region, praised Cassinelli for his legal expertise and commitment to democratic principles, stating, "I am proud to see our fellow citizen contributing to the workings of such a fundamental institution for Dutch life."
Cassinelli responded to his election by acknowledging his gratitude and the weight of the responsibility he now carries. "For me, this is a source of great pride, but it also brings the burden of significant responsibility — I thank the parties who have supported me," he remarked. His tenure is expected to reflect his history of dedication to the law and the constitutional rights of the citizens.
Overall, Roberto Cassinelli's election as judge of the Constitutional Court is not only seen as recognition of his legal acumen and political experience but also symbolizes the representation of Liguria within Italy’s highest legal body. With his extensive background, there are high anticipations for his contributions to the court, emphasizing justice, freedom, and democratic values.