As we read the ANSA dispatch last October 17, we felt discomfort and rage, and we asked ourselves incredulously how it was possible that a minister (of Industry) from the past government could write a letter to his colleague in Justice asking him to intervene on behalf of insolvent companies, in this case the Combined Clinics of Bari and Bellelli in Taranto. This communiqué was passed over in silence by the regular press. A letter that in a serious country would have elicited reactions not just among the employees of the CCR’s and of Bellelli, who were directly involved, but also among the magistrates’ associations, which normally fight to protect their independence. But it isn’t just this that left us nonplussed and that we want to underscore. The focal point of the problem is whether Minister Fassino did in fact intervene with the magistrates after receiving the letter, and if so, how? During a casual meeting, directly or through an intermediary? Obviously we are aware that this is difficult to prove, but we are equally aware that for Minister Fassino as well it is not easy to prove that he did not follow up on the letter. This standoff leaves the questions unanswered and at the same time raises many doubts about the magistracy, in the trials involving the CCRs and Bellelli. In short, this letter demonstrates that the actions of the magistracy can be influenced: were they? We have no way of knowing, and even for the magistracy the same consideration as for Minister Fassino is valid: the doubt remains. In addition, this letter makes one think that the independence so strongly defended by the magistrates, who deem their actions unquestionable and above the parties, in some way could be subjected to outside influence. The shadows and the doubts need to be eliminated, and quickly. There is only one thing certain: the letter that was sent and recorded by the Ministry of Grace and Justice, and therefore the request to favor the insolvent companies to the detriment of their employees, is a fact that certainly offends the institutions. The letter damages - and this certainly shouldn’t be done, for obvious reasons - the image of the magistracy, which, as polls show, is tarnished right now, even internationally. We know that these matters appear difficult to solve, and resolving them is an arduous task that the new government seems willing to take on. The case of the CCR’s and Bellelli is the tip of an iceberg, and one of the first measures the new government should take is to ensure that meritocracy reigns within the magistracy, that careers are not automatic but conditional on the results obtained individually by each magistrate. For its part, the Parliament must work through clearly defined laws so as to leave no room for personal interpretation on the part of those who must apply them. However, one question remains: how can citizens protect themselves from the shifting sands?

(traduzione Interpres sas giussano)