'Separation of judicial careers' reform in House by Dec.'

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 29 - Debate on a constitutional reform bill to separate the career paths of prosecutors and judges and change the judiciary's self-governing body, the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM), could begin in the Lower House by December, well-informed sources said Tuesday after a government meeting.
    The objective was outlined Tuesday at a meeting attended by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Deputy Justice Minister Francesco Paolo Sisto, Undersecretaries Andrea Ostellari and Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, along with the presidents of the justice committees of the Lower House and Senate, the sources said.
    The bill could therefore reach the House before a Constitutional reform bill introducing the direct election of the Italian premier by the Italian people, a flagship campaign pledge of Premier Giorgia Meloni.
    In May, Meloni's cabinet approved the bill to separate career paths of prosecutors and judges so members of the judiciary can no longer switch between the two roles.
    The Constitutional reform bill, drafted by Nordio, also creates a high court to discipline members of the judiciary.
    The National Association of Magistrates (ANM), the judiciary's union, has criticized the reform, saying it will weaken the judiciary. (ANSA).