Italy's Meloni government advances controversial electoral law

The right‑wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is moving to pass a new electoral law before the summer recess. The base text, approved on 4 June by the Chamber's constitutional affairs commission, would introduce a fixed majority bonus of 70 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 35 in the Senate for any coalition that secures at least 42 % of the vote. If the threshold is not met, seats would be allocated by pure proportional representation.

The proposal also sets a 3 % electoral threshold for single parties and a 10 % threshold for coalitions, uses blocked party lists, and includes special rules for regions such as Trentino‑Alto Adige and the Aosta Valley. Amendments are due by 11 June, with the commission deciding on admissibility on 15 June, followed by a debate period from 16 June to 23 June. A mandate for the rapporteurs is scheduled for 24 June and a general discussion for 26 June, aiming to secure the law before the parliamentary summer break.

All opposition parties – the Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, Action, and others – have condemned the bill as unconstitutional, arguing it undermines proportional representation and favors the governing coalition. Critics label the proposal “Ruba‑voti” and warn it could curb voter choice ahead of upcoming elections.