The Italian Parliament’s lower house has definitively approved a contentious electoral reform backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The decision, which could influence the upcoming national elections scheduled for next year, has been met with strong criticism from center-left lawmakers who allege that the government is undermining democracy by imposing new electoral rules against the will of the opposition.
Meloni argues that the reforms are intended to enhance the prospects of forming a stable government. However, opposition leaders contend that the real goal is to bolster Meloni’s chances of maintaining her hold on power.
Following a secret ballot, deputies passed the legislation with 227 votes in favor and 164 against. The new system introduces a fully proportional electoral framework, accompanied by a mandate bonus that ensures any coalition receiving more than 42% of the votes will secure a parliamentary majority.
Under the previous system, approximately two-thirds of deputies were elected through proportional representation, while the rest were chosen in single-member districts, a setup that analysts believe could have favored the opposition.
A Heated Debate
“We are implementing rules designed to promote stability and parliamentary cohesion for any government,” Meloni stated on X following the vote. “Those who win must be able to govern,” she added.
During a heated debate, center-left parliamentarians accused the government of undermining democracy by enforcing new electoral norms ahead of the elections and against the will of the opposition. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, remarked, “Change the electoral law, we will win anyway, regardless of the voting system.”
Last month, Meloni’s right-wing government celebrated nearly four years in power, making it the longest-serving administration in Italy since World War II. However, her coalition is currently trailing behind the opposition in opinion polls as a new far-right group, “National Future,” siphons support from governing parties.
Coalition Tensions
The final approval of the reform required four parliamentary votes and ended months of internal conflict within the coalition, raising questions about Meloni’s control over her alliance ahead of next year’s elections. Tensions focused on a provision allowing voters to select their preferred candidates from party lists, diminishing leaders’ ability to control which candidates are elected.
Ultimately, a compromise was reached where candidates at the top of the lists are given automatic priority, preserving party leaders’ power to designate most candidates entering Parliament. “To those who hoped to see the center-right divided, we have responded with actions today: we are united and determined to fulfill our commitments to the citizens,” Meloni declared.
