From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Meloni wins vote on electoral overhaul
Italy's parliament approves controversial changes to the electoral system that critics say are designed to entrench the prime minister's power.
In brief
Italy's parliament approves controversial changes to the electoral system that critics say are designed to entrench the prime minister's power. Giorgia Meloni's government won parliamentary approval for electoral reforms introducing proportional voting with bonus seats, which opposition parties say distort…
Parliament approves electoral overhaul
Italy's lower house has passed controversial changes to electoral law with 227 MPs voting in favour and 164 against. The new system introduces fully proportional voting with bonus seats for the largest coalition.
Meloni says reform brings stability
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy, says the new system will bring greater political stability. She made the vote a test for her ruling rightwing coalition.
Opposition attacks bonus seat rule
Opposition parties argue the bonus seat element, granted to any coalition reaching 42 percent of the vote, distorts voter representation. They held up signs calling the law a scam and a con.
Schlein says Meloni fears defeat
Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic party, said Meloni's alliance sought to change the electoral system because it feared losing the next general election, officially due before October 2027.
Opposition vows court challenge
Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the changes in the constitutional court. According to a recent Ipsos Doxa survey, the opposition coalition could reach the 42 percent threshold if it overcame internal divisions.
The headline
Giorgia Meloni's government won parliamentary approval for electoral reforms introducing proportional voting with bonus seats, which opposition parties say distort representation and will challenge in court.
