Italy Passes Controversial Electoral Reform Awarding Bonus Seats to Winning Coalition

Key points

• The new law, approved 227 to 164, replaces the current mixed system with full proportional representation.
• A 'majority prize' of 70 seats in the lower house and 35 in the Senate is awarded to coalitions exceeding 42% of the vote.
• Coalitions must now declare a joint prime ministerial candidate and political program before elections.
• Meloni’s coalition currently polls at 39%, below the 42% threshold, raising questions about the law’s effectiveness for her party.
• Critics, including opposition leaders and some analysts, argue the reform may backfire or fail to prevent political deadlock.

Background

Italy has historically struggled with political instability, often governed by fragile coalitions. The current 'Rosatellum' system, in place since 2017, combines first-past-the-post and proportional representation. Meloni’s government, which became Italy’s longest-serving since World War II in 2026, has faced pressure to ensure continuity. Previous attempts to reform the justice system failed, making this electoral overhaul a significant legislative priority for her administration.

How outlets are covering it

Supporters, including Meloni and her allies, frame the law as 'Stabilicum,' necessary to end Italy’s chronic political turmoil and ensure clear governing majorities. Meloni emphasized that the rules apply to any government, not just her own. Critics, however, call it 'Melonellum' or a 'fraudulent law,' arguing it is designed to bolster her right-wing coalition’s chances in the 2027 elections. The Financial Times notes the reform may be 'pyrrhic,' forcing Meloni to decide whether to ally with far-right rival Roberto Vannacci to meet the 42% threshold, a move she has resisted. Al Jazeera and BBC highlight that if no coalition reaches 42%, the proportional system could lead to a hung parliament, potentially benefiting the opposition. The New York Times reports that opposition lawmakers vowed to challenge the law in the Constitutional Court, citing concerns over disproportionate power for a minority bloc.

Why it matters

The reform reshapes Italy’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially altering the balance of power between the right-wing coalition and the centre-left opposition. It introduces a high bar for majority formation, which could lead to either stable governance or renewed political deadlock. The law also forces pre-election coalition-building, exposing internal divisions within both the ruling and opposition blocs. Its success or failure will determine whether Italy achieves the stability Meloni promises or faces further fragmentation, with potential implications for European political dynamics.

What to watch

The law is expected to face legal challenges in Italy’s Constitutional Court, as civil society groups and opposition parties prepare to contest its constitutionality. Meloni’s coalition must now decide whether to include Roberto Vannacci’s National Future party to meet the 42% threshold, a decision that could reshape the right-wing alliance. Polls show Meloni’s coalition at 39%, below the threshold, while a potential centre-left coalition could reach 44%. The next general election is due by December 2027, but Meloni could call it earlier, possibly in spring 2027, to capitalize on the new rules.