Italy overhauls electoral system after fiercely contested debate

What the report says

Italy’s parliament has approved major changes to the country’s voting system after a heated debate over reforms backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to BBC World News, lawmakers voted 227 to 164 in favour of moving to a fully proportional model ahead of elections expected next year. Meloni says the overhaul is intended to produce clearer outcomes and more stable governments.

Opposition parties strongly rejected that argument, saying the right-wing governing coalition is trying to protect its hold on power. During Thursday’s debate, centre-left politicians accused the government of pushing through changes that advantage the ruling bloc. The vote was treated as an important test of Meloni’s authority, after she had suggested she could resign and force an early election if the reform failed.

The reform would replace Italy’s current mixed system, under which around a third of lawmakers are elected in first-past-the-post contests and the rest by proportional representation. It also requires coalitions to name a joint candidate for prime minister and a shared programme before an election. In another significant provision, any party or coalition reaching more than 42% of the vote would receive extra parliamentary seats, potentially turning a close lead into a stronger majority.

The BBC notes that the changes come after a period of unusual stability under Meloni, whose government became Italy’s longest-running since World War Two last month. Her current term ends in October 2027, though elections could be brought forward.