Today, February 15, the Constitutional Court will rule on the admissibility of the eight referendums, including the Cannabis referendum. What does it mean and what would happen if successful? Let's clarify.
Last January 12th Court of Cassation confirmed the validity of the signatures collected, defining them as sufficient to call the Referendum. Now, before we go to the vote, the last word it is up to Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Court is the most important constitutional guarantee body. Composed of fifteen judges, the Court will have to judge eligibility of the Referendum. But let's do a quick summary.
Article 75 of the Constitution, which establishes the rules for the admissibility of a referendum is very clear in this regard, specifying only three reasons for rejecting a question. It is not allowed the Referendum for:
- tax and budget laws
- of amnesty and pardon
- of ratification of international treaties
So, the question of the Cannabis Referendum respect limits imposed by law? He replies Better Legal (the campaign for the legalization of cannabis): "According to the lawyers we appointed the question respect these three rules"
"Despite this - he continues - we cannot remain calm. The Constitutional Court has inserted other parameters to evaluate the admissibility of referendums. Criteria which, over the years, have made the rejection of a question a rule rather than an exception"
"Despite the difficulties we are ready to fight. Our lawyers have prepared a defensive memory to defend the question and the will of more than half a million signatories."
"Italy is a democratic Republic", and among the instruments of direct democracy it boasts the referendum. The rejection of the question would represent a very hard blow to democracy. Demonstrating that, in reality, there is very little democracy. As always, we will keep you updated.
