Italy's Chamber of Deputies clashes over new electoral law

On Friday the Italian Chamber of Deputies began debating the government’s new electoral law, sparking a heated exchange between the ruling coalition and opposition parties. Minister for Institutional Reforms Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati defended the bill, arguing it respects constitutional limits and aims to ensure governmental stability. Opposition figures, notably +Europa secretary Riccardo Magi, criticized the proposal, calling it an “electoral coup” that would grant a parliamentary majority to a minority and distance citizens from the vote. The debate featured interruptions, the temporary expulsion of Magi from the chamber, and pointed remarks from leaders of the Democratic Party, Italia Viva, the Five Star Movement and other parties, all warning that the law could further erode voter confidence.

Opponents also warned that the legislation’s “majority prize” could effectively create a de‑facto premier system without amending the constitution, while the government insisted the bill complies with existing constitutional provisions and court rulings.