Silvio Berlusconi’s Cabinet yesterday gave initial approval to changes to Italy’s justice system, days after prosecutors said he should stand trial for sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power.

The measures include a proposal to reinstate full parliamentary immunity, which would cover Mr Berlusconi as he is a deputy, and were immediately slammed by magistrates as an attempt to punish them for investigating the Prime Minister.

“The Cabinet agreed with and approved unanimously a report by Justice Minister Angelino Alfano on constitutional reforms of the justice system,” the government said in a statement after a meeting of the cabinet.

The draft changes still need definitive approval from the government at a special meeting due to be held in the coming days and would then require a lengthy approval process with two-thirds majorities in Parliament.

“Every time there are legal cases involving the Prime Minister, first come the insults, then legislative initiatives to punish prosecutors,” said Luca Palamara, head of the National Association of Magistrates.

“We won’t allow ourselves to be intimidated and we will continue to apply the law with serenity, impartiality and in an equal way for everyone,” he said.

But Deborah Bergamini, a lawmaker from Mr Berlusconi’s ruling People of Liberty party, said: “This is a decisive step for the country.”

“The ruling coalition can finally propose to voters concrete solutions to avoid anti-democratic distortions and improve a crucial service,” she said.

“Italy needs a modern justice system worthy of a Western country,” she said.