Italy’s Meloni passes key test as MPs approve electoral changes

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's term officially ends in October 2027, but she may choose to hold elections earlier, possibly in April or May. Recently, the Italian parliament approved a reform of the country's electoral law, which opposition parties claim was designed by Meloni's hard-right government to increase its chances of winning re-election next year.

The reform proposes a fully proportional system that guarantees a parliamentary majority to any coalition winning over 42% of the vote. Meloni asserts that the reform will bring political stability, increased political stability, and greater accountability. She also emphasized that the changes empower voters to choose the coalition, platform, and prime ministerial candidate.

However, former Prime Minister and opposition leader Giuseppe Conte criticized the new law, calling it a "mess" and a "convoluted scheme" intended to favor certain candidates. The opposition Five Stars Movement (M5S) and other parties are unlikely to secure a majority in the upcoming elections, and an alliance winning more than 42% of the vote would receive a significant advantage in the lower house and the Senate.

Meloni's governing coalition has been losing support, with the far-right National Future (FN) party gaining traction. Despite ruling out an alliance with the FN, Meloni might still need their support as they are currently leading in the polls. According to a recent Ipsos Doxa survey, the centre-left coalition could surpass the 42% threshold if they overcome internal divisions and persuade two smaller radical parties to collaborate.

Meloni's term ends in October 2027, but she has the option to bring the election forward to April or May. Opposition parties have already threatened to challenge the new electoral law in court before then.