Italy’s parliament has approved a significant electoral reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, sparking strong opposition from rival parties. The new law introduces a proportional electoral system with bonus seats awarded to the coalition that garners the most votes and achieves a 42% threshold. While the government asserts that the reform is designed to enhance political stability, critics argue that it skews representation in favor of the ruling coalition ahead of the next general election, expected by October 2027.
The reform passed in the lower house through a secret ballot, with 227 lawmakers supporting it and 164 opposing. Following the vote, opposition members of parliament protested, displaying signs that condemned the legislation and questioned its fairness. In response to the parliamentary approval, opposition parties have indicated their intention to challenge the law in Italy’s Constitutional Court. They have also criticized a stipulation that requires parties and coalitions to present their government programs and prime ministerial candidates before the election.
Prime Minister Meloni hailed the vote as a testament to the unity within her governing coalition, which comprises Brothers of Italy, Forza Italia, and the League. Despite internal challenges and competition from emerging political rivals, the coalition has maintained its majority in parliament. Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party accused the government of adjusting electoral rules out of fear of the upcoming election, suggesting that the reform could alter the political landscape by providing the leading coalition with extra parliamentary seats.
Recent polling discussed during the debate suggested that a united opposition could potentially meet the 42% threshold. However, significant divisions and disagreements over cooperation continue to pose challenges for opposition parties as Italy moves closer to its next general election.