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Italy overhauls electoral system after fiercely contested debate
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Italy's parliament approved a shift to a fully proportional electoral system, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with a vote of 227 to 164 ahead of next year's elections.
- The reform replaces the current hybrid system, introducing a mechanism that awards 105 additional parliamentary seats to any party or coalition winning more than 42% of the vote, aimed at ensuring clearer majorities and more stable governments.
- Opposition parties criticized the changes as a maneuver by Meloni's right-wing coalition to maintain power, accusing the government of undermining democratic principles during a heated debate.
- Meloni warned she might resign and call an early election if the reform was rejected, with the successful vote reinforcing her authority and coalition unity despite some internal tensions.
- The new rules also require coalitions to present a joint prime ministerial candidate and political program before elections, aiming to enhance government stability regardless of political alignment.
