Italy’s parliament has approved a significant electoral reform put forward by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, sparking strong objections and protests from opposition parties. The new legislation introduces a proportional electoral system with bonus seats for the coalition that secures the most votes and meets a 42% threshold. While the government argues that these changes are intended to enhance political stability, opposition parties contend that it could unfairly advantage the ruling coalition in the upcoming general election, slated to occur by October 2027.
The reform was passed in the lower house through a secret ballot, with 227 lawmakers voting in favor and 164 against. Following the vote, opposition members expressed their discontent by displaying signs that condemned the legislation and questioned its fairness. In response to the approval, opposition parties have announced plans to challenge the law in Italy’s Constitutional Court. They are particularly critical of a provision that mandates political parties and coalitions to present their government programs and prime ministerial candidates before the election.
Prime Minister Meloni hailed the parliamentary vote as a testament to the unity within her coalition, which comprises Brothers of Italy, Forza Italia, and the League. Despite internal tensions and the emergence of political rivals, her coalition has maintained a parliamentary majority. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein accused the government of altering electoral rules out of fear of losing the next election, suggesting that the reform could skew the political balance by granting extra parliamentary representation to the leading coalition.
Recent polling data, which was part of the debate, indicates that a united opposition coalition might reach the 42% threshold. However, significant challenges remain due to divisions among opposition parties and their disagreements over potential cooperation, as Italy gears up for its next general election.