Italian Prime Minister Meloni’s government is aiming to bring about significant changes to the country’s political system through two major reforms – the direct election of the prime minister and the devolution of power to regional authorities. The opposition parties, led by Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party, organized a protest against these reforms in central Rome, signaling a potential new political strategy against Meloni’s government.
The direct election of the prime minister, a project that has only been tested in Israel, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the reform process. Another key reform, granting more political power to Italy’s regions, also faced opposition from Italy’s main opposition parties, resulting in a rare show of unity against the ruling majority. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the 5 Star movement, commended the unified protest as the best response to the government’s proposals.
The devolution of power to regional authorities, which became law on Wednesday, was a flagship proposal of the League party led by Matteo Salvini. While the law sparked controversy and a scuffle in parliament, critics expressed concerns that it could widen the gap between Italy’s wealthy north and poorer south. However, protesters at the demonstration on Tuesday viewed the proposed reforms, especially the direct election of the prime minister, as particularly worrisome.
Meloni’s government argues that the constitutional changes are necessary for achieving government stability, enhancing the prime minister’s role, and giving Italians more influence over the country’s leadership. Despite their justifications, some lawmakers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the reforms in achieving the desired outcomes, with concerns raised about the potential negative impact on Italy’s parliament and the role of the President.
The direct election of the prime minister, a unique concept that only Israel has experimented with before, faces a challenging path to becoming law in Italy. Changing the country’s constitution is a complex process that requires approval from both houses of parliament with a two-thirds majority for the final two votes. As the reform process continues, the Italian political landscape is likely to see further debates and discussions over the implications of these proposed changes.
