Italy's Chamber of Deputies votes on electoral reform amid coalition divisions

Italy's Chamber of Deputies is moving towards a final vote on electoral law reforms, but the process has revealed significant divisions within the majority coalition.

A crucial amendment that would have reintroduced preferential voting faced strong opposition. Fratelli d'Italia supported the proposal, while its coalition partners, Lega and Forza Italia, voted against it. Although the amendment failed to pass, it garnered 139 votes in favor, underscoring a clear fracture within the ruling majority.

Despite this internal disagreement, the Chamber approved the first article of the reform by secret ballot with 208 votes in favor, 143 against, and 3 abstentions. This article establishes a proportional representation system. It includes a majority bonus, granting 70 seats to the Chamber of Deputies and 35 to the Senate for the list or coalition that surpasses 42% of the vote. The reform also mandates the indication of the prime ministerial candidate when electoral lists are submitted.

Additionally, the Chamber unanimously approved an amendment concerning the vote for Italians living abroad. This measure will permit students, workers, and individuals undergoing medical treatment to cast their ballots in their temporary place of residence.

Voting on the remaining articles and the final approval of the bill are still ongoing. Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party criticized Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni, stating, "Meloni whistles as if nothing happened." The final vote in the Chamber is expected later today.

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Meloni whistles as if nothing happened.