Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to directly elect the office of the prime minister, aiming to bring stability to the country’s government. The plan would allow voters to elect a premier who would serve five years, aligning with Parliament’s full term. The reform would require a referendum if two-thirds of lawmakers fail to approve it. While Meloni’s government has a parliamentary majority, it would need opposition support to reach the required margin. The reform aims to make Italy’s national leaders more effective and address the country’s chronic issue of short-lived governments. Critics fear it would concentrate too much power in the hands of the premier.
Italy has had nine premiers and 12 governments from 2002-2022, while France had four and Germany had three. Italy’s economy grew only 4% in that period, compared to 20% in France and Germany.
The proposed reform would also ensure that the elected premier commands at least 55% of parliament’s seats. Opponents argue that it would diminish the role of Parliament in decision-making.
The post-war Constitution was created after Italian voters rejected the monarchy and opted for a democratic republic. Proposed constitutional changes must be put to a referendum if 500,000 voters request it or if two-thirds of each of Parliament’s two chambers approve the reform after a second round of voting.
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