# Italian judicial administration and staffing reforms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-judicial-administration-and-staffing-reforms
> Updated: 2026-10-06T08:30:33.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The Italian judiciary is undergoing administrative and structural changes managed by the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM). In September 2026, the CSM approved a resolution to implement new psycho-aptitude tests for future magistrates, including judges and public prosecutors. These assessments aim to evaluate cognitive, emotional, relational, ethical, and organizational capacities. The National Association of Magistrates (ANM) has opposed the measure, suggesting it could be used to influence the judiciary during recruitment.

Simultaneously, efforts are being made to address significant staffing shortages, with 1,314 vacant magistrate positions reported in late September 2026. To mitigate these vacancies, the CSM’s Third Commission unanimously proposed assigning 47 trainee magistrate positions to the Calabria region, specifically targeting the districts of Catanzaro (33 positions) and Reggio Calabria (14 positions). This proposal, which awaits review by the CSM Plenum, prioritizes smaller offices where vacancies severely impact functionality.

By early October 2026, debates regarding judicial governance and geography intensified. Fabrizio Malagnino, a magistrate from the Court of Lecce and candidate for the CSM, has advocated for a merit-based selection process to ensure the Council remains “free from external conditioning.” Concurrently, the Justice Commission in the Chamber of Deputies is debating a government bill concerning judicial geography. Various deputies have introduced amendments to reverse 2012 cuts by proposing the reopening of small courts or the establishment of new offices, such as a second Court of Appeal in Verona or new sections in cities like Parma, Sassari, Lucera, and Olbia.

In late October 2026, over 9,000 magistrates began voting to elect 20 members of the CSM to serve from 2027 to 2031. This election, following the Cartabia reform, fills seats reserved for judges through a mixed electoral system involving four colleges.

## Claims

- The Third Commission of the CSM proposed assigning 47 trainee magistrate positions to judicial offices in Calabria. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Of the 47 proposed positions, 33 are for the Catanzaro district and 14 are for the Reggio Calabria district. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The proposal was approved unanimously by the Commission and must now be reviewed by the CSM Plenum. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The measure aims to reduce staffing shortages in Italian judicial offices by assigning a total of 339 trainee magistrates. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- As of September 24, 2026, Italian judicial offices had a total of 1,314 vacant magistrate positions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Commission decided to prioritize smaller judicial offices where single vacancies significantly impact functionality. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Italy judicial reform: CSM elections and court restructuring debates

Italian judicial affairs face scrutiny as CSM candidate Fabrizio Malagnino calls for merit-based appointments, while deputies debate reopening local courts through legislative amendments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-judicial-reform-csm-elections-and-court-restructuring-debates

### 2026-10-02: Calabria judicial offices proposed 47 new trainee magistrate positions

The CSM's Third Commission has proposed 47 trainee magistrate positions for Calabria, aiming to address Italy's 1,314 judicial vacancies by prioritizing smaller, high-impact offices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calabria-judicial-offices-proposed-47-new-trainee-magistrate-positions

### 2026-09-16: Italy's CSM approves new psychological tests for magistrates

Italy's CSM has approved new psycho-aptitude tests for judicial candidates, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and ethical areas, despite protests from the National Association of Magistrates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-csm-approves-new-psychological-tests-for-magistrates

---
Cite as: Italian judicial administration and staffing reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-judicial-administration-and-staffing-reforms