‘It’s absurd’: Italy’s judiciary in power struggle with far-right government

Matteo Salvini (right) with minister Daniela Santanchè, who denied she was the subject of an inquiry. Judicial sources later confirmed the investigation. Photograph: Riccardo Antimiani/EPA

Italy’s far-right government is embroiled in a power struggle with magistrates amid controversial investigations involving leading figures within the ruling coalition.

In a memo citing sources from the office of the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, a “segment of the judiciary” came under attack “for choosing to play an active opposition role” in allegedly attempting to bring down her administration ahead of next year’s European parliamentary elections.