Italian PM Giorgia Meloni seeks to revive her government’s fortunes with a new electoral law after a damaging referendum defeat, amid internal divisions and speculation over early elections.
ROME: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is seeking to revive her government’s fortunes with a new electoral reform introduced in parliament on Tuesday. The move follows her first major political defeat since taking office in 2022, after a justice reform referendum failed last week.
The referendum loss undermined Meloni’s authority and destabilised her coalition allies. Political scientist Giovanni Orsina said the prime minister is “in trouble and is showing undeniable signs of weakness”.
The resignations of two ministers have fuelled speculation over the government’s future. Some commentators suggest Meloni may be forced to trigger early elections to capitalise on a divided political left.
Meloni has repeatedly vowed to serve her full term until 2027. However, she could resign once the new electoral law is adopted, potentially sparking a ballot as early as October.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini vowed the government would “reach the end of its term without any doubts or hesitation”. His far-right League party is itself weakened by an internal split.
The proposed reform would see Italy switch to a fully proportional electoral system. It includes a seat bonus in both parliamentary chambers for any coalition winning over 40% of the vote.
A simulation by polling firm YouTrend last month found the current system would deliver no parliamentary majority for either the centre-right or centre-left in 2027. Under the new law, the centre-right would likely win the bonus seats.
Commentator Ilario Lombardo wrote that Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party is divided over the push. He said some see it “as the only way to avoid a potentially irreversible decline”.
Others fear insisting on the law will “sound off” during global uncertainty over war, high energy prices, and the cost of living crisis. The reform could also prove an electoral boomerang for the government.
The political left has been invigorated by its referendum victory. It accuses Meloni of ignoring the defeat and rushing to change electoral rules for her own political interests.
Professor Salvatore Vassallo said Meloni’s main problem is her perceived closeness to US President Donald Trump. He said the relationship “risks becoming a heavy burden” for her government.