Italian Senate Approves Meloni’s Electoral Reform Amid Opposition Resistance

ROME: Italy’s Senate has approved a controversial electoral reform backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition, advancing a measure that would significantly change the country’s voting system ahead of the next national election.

The legislation was approved by 113 votes to 71 and will now return to the lower house for final approval after amendments were made following defections within the governing coalition.

The proposed reform would replace Italy’s current mixed electoral system with a fully proportional system while guaranteeing a parliamentary majority to alliances that secure more than 42% of the vote. Under the proposed rules, political alliances would also be required to identify their candidate for prime minister before an election.

The government argues that the changes would provide greater clarity and stability in the formation of governments. The reform is also intended to establish clearer links between electoral results, political alliances and the formation of the executive.

Opposition parties have strongly criticized the legislation. Opposition figures, including Matteo Renzi, have argued that the proposed system could provide an electoral advantage to Meloni’s coalition and accused the government of changing electoral rules with its own political interests in mind. The centre-left opposition has described the measure as an unfair electoral law.

The reform could also affect the ability of opposition parties to coordinate ahead of the next election because alliances would have to declare their prime ministerial candidate before voting. This requirement could expose differences among opposition groups seeking to challenge the governing coalition.

Meloni’s political position is also being shaped by competition on the right. A newly emerging National Future party is seeking support among voters who could otherwise back Meloni’s coalition. Meloni has rejected suggestions that she intends to form an electoral pact with the group.

The parliamentary debate comes as Italy prepares for a national election expected in 2027. Recent polling has indicated challenges for Meloni among younger voters, while a new hard-right movement has also emerged as a potential competitor for some conservative voters.

The Senate vote therefore marks an important step in the government’s effort to change the rules governing future parliamentary elections. The legislation must still clear the lower house before becoming law, leaving further parliamentary debate and negotiations ahead.

The outcome of that process could have significant implications for Italy’s political landscape, particularly for the governing coalition and opposition alliances preparing for the next national election.