Meloni Says 'Leaning Towards Yes' On European Parliament Run

Speaking at a press conference intended to take place in Dec 2023 but delayed twice due to illness, PM Giorgi Meloni, when asked whether she intends to run for a seat in the European Parliament in June, states that “I haven't decided whether to run, I'm leaning towards yes”. Should Meloni run (and win) it would be the first time that an incumbent Italian prime minister has sat in both the Italian and European Parliaments simultaneously.

• Speaking on proposed constitutional changes that would see the PM become directly elected, rather than being voted in as the head of a parliamentary coalition, Meloni states that "I don't see how the direct election of the head of government means taking away power from the [President]...given that we have chosen not to touch the powers of the [President]. In my opinion, a balance is created which is a good balance, the stability of governments is strengthened."
• Opponents have criticised the plans, approved by Cabinet in Nov 2023, as a naked power grab and a threat to the Italian system of having a neutral president as head of state elected by parliament, while the PM heads a parliamentary coalition.
• There remains no guarantee the reform will come to fruition. In order to change the coalition a 2/3 vote in both chambers of parliament is required. Given the opposition is not in favour of the reform, the threshold will not be reached. This in turn would trigger a public referendum on the issue.