Italy's 'Stabilicum' Electoral Reform Sparks Parliamentary Feud

The government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has introduced a new electoral law nicknamed “Stabilicum”. The proposal adds a majority‑bonus that activates when a coalition reaches at least 42 % of the vote, awards 70 seats in the Chamber and 35 in the Senate to the winning list, and replaces preferential voting with blocked lists. The bill was fast‑tracked ahead of a possible snap election in 2026, prompting a sharp clash in the Chamber of Deputies. Opposition parties – including the Lega, +Europa, the PD and the Movimento 5 Stelle – condemned the measure as undemocratic, calling it a “soft coup” and warning of constitutional problems. Roberto Vannacci of Futuro Nazionale accused Meloni of giving a “gift” to political allies and demanded the return of preferential voting. Matteo Salvini reiterated that his alliance will go to the polls but not with Vannacci, who voted against confidence. Pier Ferdinando Casini also called for restoring voter preferences. Legal scholar Angelo Bonelli warned that the rush to pass the law reveals fear of a Constitutional Court ruling and urged focus on economic issues. Parliamentary sessions saw heated exchanges, expulsions of opposition speakers, and repeated calls for stability versus democratic representation.