Italy's Meloni pushes controversial electoral reform amid political crisis

The Italian government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces a growing political crisis after a recent referendum on the judiciary rejected a reform backed by the ruling coalition. Stagnant wages, rising utility bills and a fragmented majority have weakened the government's image of invulnerability.

To secure its hold on power ahead of legislative elections, the coalition approved an electoral reform known as the "Stabilicum" in the Chamber of Deputies. The law would introduce a fully proportional system with a bonus for any coalition surpassing 42% of the vote. The reform now awaits Senate approval.

Polls suggest the outcome of the elections could hinge on General Roberto Vannacci, whose support could lift the centre‑right bloc to as high as 48% or, if he runs independently, could split the right‑wing vote and hand victory to the centre‑left alliance led by Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party. Schlein has criticised the "Stabilicum" and vowed to defeat it regardless of the voting system.