A report by the advocacy group Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) accused Italy of intentionally undermining democracy, citing the government’s “heavy intolerance to media criticism” and judicial reforms that “profoundly undermined” the rule of law, according to Euractiv.
The report identifies Italy as one of five EU “dismantlers”—alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia—that are “intentionally undermining the rule of law in nearly all aspects.”
The document warns that without decisive action, the EU risks further democratic erosion. It highlights several concerning developments in Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, including draft proposals that would grant the justice ministry “open-ended powers” over prosecutors, increasing political control over the judiciary. Researchers urged the government to avoid any form of interference in judicial decisions or attacks on judges.
The paper also criticises “unprecedented levels of interference” in public service media. It cites the cancellation of writer Antonio Scurati’s antifascist speech and disciplinary action against talk show host Serena Bortone, whose programme was supposed to air the speech.
The incidents, according to the report, reflect a troubling trend of suppressing dissenting voices and limiting press freedom. To align with international human rights obligations, the report recommends that the Italian government work to prevent excessive media concentration and fully decriminalise defamation.
However, Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy), Meloni’s party, dismissed the report’s findings, targeting the NGO behind it.
Italy is supposedly among the countries undermining democracy in Europe. The source? Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties), an NGO funded by George Soros. No further explanation needed.
The report underscores growing concerns about democratic backsliding in Europe, with Italy emerging as a prominent example. As the EU grapples with the challenges, the findings highlight the need for stronger safeguards to protect the rule of law, media freedom, and democratic institutions across the bloc.
