Italian opposition on new election rules: "Sham law"

 

TT 

Published 14:49 | Updated 18:05

 

Opposition parties argue that the amendment to the electoral law could benefit Giorgia Meloni. File photo. Photo: Mauro Scrobogna/AP/TT

On Thursday, Italy approved an amendment to its electoral law. The new law guarantees a parliamentary majority to any alliance securing more than 42 percent of the vote—a measure the opposition claims benefits Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of the Brothers of Italy party and her right-wing coalition.

Following months of debate, parliament passed the new law by a vote of 227 to 164.

Supporters argue that the legislative change aims to strengthen Italy's political system. They also contend that it benefits voters by requiring parties and coalitions to clearly present their government programs and name their prime ministerial candidates "well in advance of the election."

However, the opposition has labeled it a "sham law" designed to make it easier for Meloni’s right-wing coalition to win elections. The opposition also maintains that the law is unconstitutional and has vowed to challenge it in the Constitutional Court as soon as it takes effect.