Electoral law, first green light from the Chamber: majority wider than expected

The Chamber of Deputies has rejected the constitutional objections raised by the opposition regarding the new electoral law. The vote, conducted by secret ballot, saw 229 parliamentarians opposed and 151 in favor, a result that exceeded the majority's internal expectations by seven votes.

The session took place in a highly tense atmosphere, with a full chamber and the presence of numerous ministers and party leaders. The measure can now proceed with its parliamentary process. The final vote in the Chamber is scheduled for October 8, after the government will pose three confidence votes to expedite its approval.

The majority, composed of Brothers of Italy, the League, and Forza Italia, demonstrated unity, overcoming the feared risk of rogue votes. Even the deputies of Futuro Nazionale, the party of Roberto Vannacci, voted with the majority, despite opposing the reform.

The debate on the new electoral law stems from the desire of the governing majority, led by Brothers of Italy, to change the rules for electing parliamentarians. The current law, often referred to as the 'Rosatellum,' has been in effect since 2017 and combines a mixed system with some seats allocated proportionally and others through a first-past-the-post method.

The government and the majority parties argue that intervention is necessary to ensure greater governmental stability, introducing elements such as the 'majority bonus' and the indication of the prime minister on the ballot. The opposition, on the other hand, accuses the reform of concentrating too much power and altering democratic balances, calling it a 'tailor-made' law for the current coalition.

Tensions are high because changing electoral rules during a legislative term is a delicate operation that can reveal internal divisions. Yesterday's secret vote was considered a critical first test, as it allows parliamentarians to express themselves without making their vote public, opening the possibility for behavior not aligned with their coalition. Overcoming this hurdle, with a wider margin than expected, strengthens the government's position for the next steps.