Italy approves elections overhaul as opposition accuse Meloni of ‘scam’

Italy’s parliament has approved contentious changes to the country’s electoral system, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, ahead of elections scheduled for the following year. The 227 to 164 vote in favour of transitioning to a fully proportional system reflects Meloni's belief that this change will increase the likelihood of decisive outcomes and more stable governments.

Opposition parties argue that the right-wing coalition led by Meloni has crafted these proposals to bolster its chances of retaining power, accusing the reforms of being a "fraudulent" attempt to bypass democratic processes. Meloni threatened to resign and call an early election if the reforms were rejected, with the secret vote perceived as a test of her authority.

The reform will see Italy move away from its current hybrid voting system, where roughly one-third of seats are allocated through first-past-the-post elections and the remainder via proportional representation. Parties seeking coalition positions must submit their joint prime minister candidate and political platform before any general election.

A party or coalition securing the highest vote share (provided it surpasses 42%) will receive 105 extra seats in parliament (70 in the lower house and 35 in the senate), potentially transforming a narrow win into a more robust majority. While center-left members displayed signs that read "No to the scam" and "fraudulent law" during the debate, they contended that the government is forcing the new voting rules.

Opposition leaders, including Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein and former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, criticized the move as a "scam" and "a convoluted scheme" intended to secure an election advantage. Internal tensions within Meloni's coalition have also surfaced, with the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party and allies the far-right League and center-right Forza Italia expressing concerns about the proposed changes.

Meloni concluded her remarks by emphasizing the unity and determination of her coalition, stating they are committed to advancing the nation's well-being.