The reform of the Anti-Mafia Code passes the Senate with 129 votes in favour, 56 against and 30 abstentions. The text now returns to the House for final approval. "I think there are the conditions to take it to the end," said the Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, excluding the risk that the reform of the anti-mafia code could get bogged down in Montecitorio.
As for any changes, Orlando adds that "there are different opinions" and that "it will be verified whether the remarks are founded. In case we will carry out a serene reconnaissance, if changes will be necessary and where to introduce them. From a regulatory point of view, this reform places us at the international forefront in the fight against organized crime and clearly demonstrates the government's willingness to wage a relentless battle on this front. I can only express great satisfaction with the approval of a provision that has had a very long gestation, which strengthens the efficiency of the Agency for confiscated assets, which offers new instruments for combating organized crime and which also introduces elements of strong transparency in asset management”.
According to Rosy Bindi, president of the Anti-Mafia commission, “the Senate vote on the new code is important. I am happy that some belated objections have been overcome by the political will not to frustrate the long and in-depth work done in these three years. The reform is too long overdue, necessary and overall well done. It is a question of making the entire system of seizures, confiscation and management of mafia assets more effective and transparent and of relaunching the strategic role of the National Agency. In recent years, the fight against organized crime has also hinged on this essential tool which deprives mafiosi of their raison d'être: making money and accumulating wealth through corruption and violence. Houses, land, companies, businesses resulting from criminal and predatory activities must return to legality, they must be returned to the communities from which the mafias have stolen them, to create clean jobs and economic growth, especially in the southern regions. I hope that the Chamber will do its part for the definitive approval within the budget session, in order to complete the legislature with a strong commitment against mafia crime".
