Italy Overhauls Electoral System Amid Fierce Debate

Italy's parliament has approved a new electoral system, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, ahead of elections due next year. Lawmakers voted 227 to 164 in favour of moving to a fully proportional system. Which Meloni has pointed out will boost the chance of clear winners and more stable government.

The change is seen as a test of Meloni's authority, with the secret ballot being a key factor in the decision.

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Italy's opposition is criticizing the government's handling of democratic norms. With Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, cautioning that the new system may result in a parliament heavily influenced by the centre-right.

Yet, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership, the country has experienced a notable absence of turmoil since her 2022 election, with her government now holding the record for the longest-serving since World War II, surpassing even that of the wartime government.

Under the new system, coalition parties must nominate a joint prime ministerial candidate before the election, as well as outline their shared policy agenda. The threshold for securing extra parliamentary seats has been set at 42%. A significant hurdle for parties seeking to capitalize on a narrow victory, potentially transforming a minority government into a more substantial majority.

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"Go ahead and change the electoral law, we will win in any case under any voting system," said Schlein. The proposals have also exposed tensions within the ranks of Meloni's coalition. Too, with the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party and its allies, the far-right League and centre-right Forza Italia.

Meloni's term officially comes to an end in October 2027, although she could bring elections forward to the spring. The new electoral system will take effect in 2027. And will be a key factor in determining the country's political landscape in the years to come.