Italy's Senate approved a controversial electoral reform Tuesday by a vote of 113 to 71, triggering fierce criticism from the country's left-wing opposition. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's rivals accuse her of rigging the system to boost her chances in next year's elections.
Meloni's conservative coalition advanced a full proportional voting system that would automatically grant parliamentary majority to any alliance that crosses a 42 percent vote threshold. Supporters argue the move will ensure political stability in a country notorious for short-lived governments, while the legislation now requires final approval in the lower house.
The logic behind the initiative is straightforward: an electoral system that determines majority by voter count creates a problematic situation where the winning party cannot form a coalition or government, a problem Israelis know all too well from every election cycle. The Italian solution grants automatic governing power when a majority of the people cast their vote for a particular party, rather than requiring dependence on small parties that squeeze the elected prime minister.
Opposition members responded sharply to the vote, waving signs reading "No to the fraud law." Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said in this context: "This isn't about stability. You're doing this because you believe there's a risk you'll lose the next elections."
The new law is expected to eliminate existing majoritarian electoral districts and force alliances to present an agreed-upon candidate for prime minister before the vote. Polling expert Rado Fonda addressed this, saying: "This could be problematic for the center-left, potentially leading to an early leadership battle and exposing divisions that could weaken the bloc."
