Italy approves electoral reform ahead of elections as opposition accuses Meloni of ‘scam’

Italy’s parliament has approved a fiercely contested electoral reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The changes will move the country from its current hybrid system to a fully proportional model before elections due next year.

The measure passed by 227 votes to 164. Meloni has argued that the new rules will increase the chance of clear results and more stable government.

Opposition parties accused the government of changing the rules to benefit its right-wing coalition. During Thursday’s debate, centre-left lawmakers held signs reading “No to the scam” and “fraudulent law”.

New rules for allocating seats

Under the current system, about a third of lawmakers are elected through first-past-the-post voting, with the remainder chosen through proportional representation. Under the new model, parties seeking to form a coalition must present a joint candidate for prime minister and a political programme before the general election.

The party or coalition receiving the largest share of the vote — provided it exceeds 42% — will receive 105 additional parliamentary seats: 70 in the lower house and 35 in the Senate. That could turn a narrow victory into a more comfortable majority.

Opposition criticism and Meloni’s warning

Meloni had warned that she could resign and trigger an early election if the reform was rejected. The secret ballot was seen as a test of her authority.

Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein said her party would win under any electoral system. Five Star leader and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte described the reform as a scheme designed to give its backers an advantage in the upcoming elections.

Meloni’s coalition — comprising Brothers of Italy, the far-right League and centre-right Forza Italia — has also faced internal tensions. After the vote, Meloni said the coalition remained united and that the new rules were intended to promote government stability regardless of political colour.

Meloni has been in power since 2022. Her government became Italy’s longest-running since the Second World War last month. Her term formally ends in October 2027, although elections could be brought forward to the spring.