Meloni suffers major political blow as allies vote against key reform

Rome – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suffered a surprising political blow as her government's proposed electoral reform was narrowly defeated in the lower house of parliament, a setback attributed to dissent within her own coalition.

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We tried, but the swamp won again. We tried to reintroduce preferences in the electoral law after more than 30 years of blocked lists. We asked for a vote without secrecy and for everyone to put their face to their vote, but the oppositions wanted the secret vote.

The crucial amendment, which aimed to reintroduce a system of preferential voting, was rejected by a single vote, 188 to 187. The vote's secrecy, despite Meloni's request for an open ballot, fueled speculation of "friendly fire" from within her right-wing alliance, comprising her Brothers of Italy party, Forza Italia, and the League.

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The result shows that the left and the oppositions voted against in a compact way. But several votes were also missing in the government majority, and this requires reflection.

Meloni expressed her disappointment on Facebook, stating, "We tried, but the swamp won again." She lamented the failure to reintroduce preferences after decades of blocked lists and criticized the opposition's reaction. "The scene of the opposition celebrating as if they had won the World Cup for preventing citizens from choosing their own parliamentarians says it all," she added, clearly indignant.

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The amendment was rejected by a single vote. A lost opportunity for Italians, but it was right to try.

While coalition partners denied responsibility, suspicions point to around thirty "snipers" from Forza Italia and the League as the likely culprits. The defeat has emboldened the center-left opposition, which is now demanding Meloni's resignation and calls for early elections. Despite the setback, Meloni appeared defiant, choosing not to directly address the resignation calls, suggesting she may be preparing for further political maneuvering to avoid greater desgaste.

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The scene of the opposition celebrating as if they had won the World Cup for having prevented citizens from being able to choose their own parliamentarians says it all.