The electoral reform is now law. The Chamber of Deputies gave its final approval with 227 votes in favour and 164 against, at the end of a sitting marked by opposition protests.
Signs reading “It’s a sham law” appeared on the benches of the minority parties, while the majority greeted the result with applause.
The centre-right held firm on the secret ballot, although a theoretical tally reported by Ansa suggests eight fewer “yes” votes than expected and eight more “no” votes.
Giorgia Meloni described the outcome as “a response through facts to those who were hoping for a divided centre-right”. According to the government, the reform aims to ensure stability, reintroduces preference voting, and allows Italians living away from their registered residence to vote.
Nicola Fratoianni reacted sharply: “Giorgia Meloni is changing the electoral law by sheer force of her majority just months before the vote. It’s an absolute scandal, and she’s doing it to try to cling to power.”
+Europa leader Riccardo Magi, meanwhile, announced the suspension of his hunger strike, while reiterating doubts over the law’s constitutionality: “I am suspending my fast — I have strong faith in the President of the Republic.”
