Italian Parliament Approves Meloni's Electoral Reform
While Italy's new electoral law aimed at increasing political stability has passed parliament, the opposition is preparing to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
The Italian parliament has approved Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's sweeping electoral reform, which aims to increase political stability and produce clear election winners.
Law Approved by Parliament
The Italian parliament has given final approval to a bill envisaging sweeping changes to the country's electoral system, delivering a significant political victory to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In a secret ballot in the Chamber of Deputies, the law was adopted with 227 votes to 164 against, completing the legislative process.
Views of Supporters and Critics
While supporters argue that the law will ensure more stable governments and clear election results, the opposition considers it unconstitutional.
The center-left opposition described the law as a "fraud bill" and announced that they will take it to the Constitutional Court as soon as it comes into effect.
Majority Bonus and the New System
The reform introduces a major majority bonus that grants bonus seats in both houses to the electoral alliance that wins at least 42 percent of the national vote.
Abolishing the current mixed electoral system, the new arrangement foresees a transition to a fully proportional system and requires coalition partners to reach a consensus before the election.
Opposition and Intra-Coalition Debates
The reform creates additional pressure on the fractured center-left opposition, which is grappling with tensions between the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement.
On the other hand, within the ruling bloc, some lawmakers also harbor reservations regarding the risk of far-right nationalist parties splitting the vote.