Italy implements ‘Stabilicum’ electoral reform

Italy is undergoing a significant electoral reform known as ‘Stabilicum’, aimed at ensuring executive stability through a pure proportional system combined with a majority bonus. The reform, promoted by the Meloni government, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in July 2026 and by the Senate in September 2026, with a final passage through the Chamber expected in late September 2026.

Under the new rules, a coalition or list that achieves at least 42 percent of the vote in both houses will receive a bonus of 70 deputies and 35 senators to secure a parliamentary majority. The law also marks the return of preference voting, allowing citizens to directly select candidates for the first time in thirty-five years.

Critics and legal analysts have raised concerns regarding the balance between stability and representative democracy. Key points of contention include the potential disproportion between votes received and parliamentary strength, the tension between national results and the regional basis of Senate elections, and the increased burden of signature collection required for political parties not currently represented in Parliament.