Francesco Saverio Borrelli

"I have always noticed that the only figure defined as ‘unjust’ in the Gospel is that of a judge: and it seemed to me an apt definition. Fascism was less hateful than this robed bureaucracy that used violence in the name of justice. In Italian history, if freedom had prevailed, as I now believe to be certain, the names of the magistrates of Milan, Di Pietro, Borrelli, Davigo, and Boccassini would have been forever ‘signati nigro lapillo’ as figures to be remembered with horror, those of the unjust judge."

"(About the Mani pulite period) At that time, the connection between business and politics, however murky it may have been, did not contradict the fundamental objective of the business world, which is to produce wealth."

"(About the Mani pulite period) No one could delude themselves that five, or even ten years of fighting corruption would change the spirit of the average Italian, their distrust of rules and institutions. The customs of this country are, unfortunately, immovable."

"The crowds always applaud the collapse of idols with sadistic satisfaction."

"(About the period of Mani pulite) When those who had been praising us began to realise that the restoration of legality did not stop at Montedison or Palazzo Chigi, but extended to everyday life, they began to show annoyance and weariness."

"I am not familiar with the details of the investigation into Parmalat and can only speak in general terms. However, I cannot hide my concern that, from an economic point of view, a period much more dangerous than that of Tangentopoli may be about to begin."

"(Regarding one of the trials in which Silvio Berlusconi was accused) This is not a political trial, even if it is undeniable that it may have political consequences. But our values are written in the penal code."

"(About the expression of esteem shown to him by Dario Fo with the request to take an interest in the Sofri trial) I don't know what to make of expressions of esteem that are dictated by ideological preconceptions."

"In the face of the dangerous erosion of the general will, the collapse of civic conscience and the loss of the sense of justice, the last, extreme bastion of morality, it is the duty of the community to resist, resist, resist, as if on an unyielding line of the Piave."

"(About the decision of magistrates to stand for election) I do not believe that a magistrate's desire to put their skills at the service of the community, where popular sovereignty is embodied, is a choice that should be condemned."