Proposed Gov't Reforms Would Change Landscape, But Unlikely For Some Time

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has put forward proposals to reform the constitution and electoral system in changes that would see the PM directly elected alongside the parliament. The Meloni gov't argues that the plan is “an historical responsibility to consolidate democracy,” as the largest party/coalition would be guaranteed 55% of seats in parliament, and the president's authority to choose who to nominate as PM-designate would be stripped away. The gov't argues that Italy's political instability in the post-war era (69 gov'ts since the end of WWII) dissuades investment in the country's economy, and that elections resulting in a clear winner and stable majority administration will remedy this.

• For opponents, the reforms are too vague in not outlining exactly how the system to vote for a PM and parliament would work. Electing a PM directly also does not guarantee that they retain power within their coalition/party, meaning the instability of past years is not eliminated.
• In any case, over the short-to-medium term these reforms are unlikely to change the outlook for the Italian political landscape. The changes still need to be approved twice in each chamber of Parliament, and may face a public referendum.