What changed
Italy’s parliament has approved a shift from its hybrid electoral system to a fully proportional one, voting 227 to 164 in favour. The new rules would give 105 extra parliamentary seats to the party or coalition winning more than 42% of the vote, while coalition partners must name a joint prime-ministerial candidate and programme before the election.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tied her political future to the vote, warning she could resign and call an early election if it failed. Her term is due to end in October 2027, though elections could come as early as spring.
Why it matters
This reform changes the prize attached to winning Italy’s election. Under the current system, about one-third of lawmakers are elected through first-past-the-post contests and the rest proportionally. Under the new rules, clearing 42% could bring a large seat bonus: 70 seats in the lower house and 35 in the senate.
That could turn a narrow electoral lead into a much stronger governing position. It is designed to make governments more stable, but it also gives the largest successful coalition a powerful advantage.
The political argument is therefore bigger than the mechanics of counting votes. Meloni says the rules will promote stable government and parliamentary coherence. Opposition parties, including Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, argue that the governing coalition is shaping the system to improve its chances of staying in power.
The next test will be the election itself. A clear majority is not guaranteed: it will depend on whether a party or coalition crosses the 42% threshold and on any legal or political challenges that follow. The vote has changed the rules, but it has not yet decided who benefits from them.
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