Headlines
Italy's Ruling Parties Strike Deal on Electoral Law Overhaul
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 2, 2026
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Italy’s ruling bloc backs a full-PR electoral reform with a majority bonus above 40% and a runoff at 35–40%. Opposition warns of a power grab; the plan still needs parliament’s approval.
Italy’s Ruling Coalition Agrees on Major Electoral Law Revamp
By Angelo Amante
What the Electoral Overhaul Proposes
ROME, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Italy's ruling parties have agreed on a sweeping overhaul of the electoral law, two sources said on Thursday, a move opposition parties say is designed to keep Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in power after elections due in 2027.
Shift to Full Proportional Representation
Under the current system, most lawmakers in both the upper and lower houses are chosen by pure proportional representation via party lists, but 36% of them are elected in first-past-the-post constituencies.
Majority Bonus and Run-Off Thresholds
The proposal by the right-wing coalition — which includes Meloni's Brothers of Italy, the League and Forza Italia — would move to a fully proportional system and offer a guaranteed majority for any coalition winning more than 40% of the vote.
Quote: Forza Italia’s stance on stability
Stability Argument from the Ruling Bloc
"The centre-right is working on an electoral law that will bring stability to the country, clearly reflect the citizens' vote and ensure that Italy has a strong and credible government," said Forza Italia deputy head Stefano Benigni.
Potential Challenge from a Left-Wing Bloc
CHALLENGE FROM LEFT-WING BLOC
At the last election in 2022, the main opposition Democratic Party (PD) and Five Star Movement failed to form an electoral alliance, making it easier for Meloni's right-wing bloc to sweep to power by winning most of the first-past-the-post seats.
But a broad left-wing bloc now looks set to coalesce and, even if latest polls suggest it will win fewer votes than the right, it could still deny the ruling coalition a working majority by grabbing more seats in the poorer south of Italy.
"The idea behind this proposal is simple: whoever gets the most votes should govern, and right now the centre-right is slightly ahead. Under the current electoral law, that may not happen," said polling expert Fabrizio Masia.
Parliamentary Approval Requirement
The new plan, which would need parliamentary approval, also includes a run-off ballot, which would only take place if coalitions win between 35 and 40% of the vote, the sources said.
Governing parties have repeatedly sought to rewrite voting rules while in office, often with an eye to gaining an advantage in the next election.
Opposition Parties’ Criticism
"Their priority today, their only concern, is to protect themselves by changing the electoral law in an unacceptable manner," the PD said in a statement.
Referendum Context in March 2026
The move comes amid a heated campaign for a referendum due in March on a justice reform, seen as a crucial test for Meloni ahead of the next general election.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Alex Richardson)
Key Takeaways
- •Ruling coalition agrees to replace mixed system with full proportional representation.
- •Plan adds a majority bonus for coalitions winning over 40% of votes.
- •Runoff proposed if leading blocs score between 35% and 40%.
- •Opposition parties, including PD, say the change entrenches Meloni’s power.
- •Draft requires parliamentary approval amid a March justice-reform referendum.
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's ruling parties strike deal on electoral law overhaul
1What is the main topic?
Italy’s ruling coalition agreed on an electoral reform to move to full proportional representation, add a majority bonus above 40%, and allow a runoff if coalitions win 35–40%.
2How would the reform change the voting system?
It scraps first-past-the-post seats, makes all seats proportional, grants a majority bonus to coalitions over 40%, and introduces a runoff in the 35–40% range.
3Why is the reform controversial?
Opposition parties argue it is designed to keep Giorgia Meloni’s bloc in power, while the government says it will provide stability and clearer mandates.
4What are the next steps?
The proposal must pass parliament. It advances amid a March 22–23, 2026 justice-reform referendum that is shaping Italy’s political backdrop ahead of 2027 elections.
