Breakthrough in Italy: Meloni's Government Agrees on Draft of New Electoral Law

The Italian political scene has entered a phase of deep dispute over the foundations of the democratic system. After lengthy, overnight negotiations, leaders of the parties forming Giorgia Meloni's government announced they had developed a common position on a new electoral law. The new system, dubbed 'Stabilicum', is to introduce a majority bonus mechanism that automatically awards extra seats to the winning party or coalition. According to the authors of the reform, this is to prevent the traditional Italian cabinet instability and the need for constant formation of exotic parliamentary alliances. The opposition's reaction was immediate and extremely negative. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, and Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement accused the government of acting solely in its own political interest. They argue that the changes are being introduced without broad consensus, violating good parliamentary customs. This conflict overlaps with the ongoing battle over judicial reform and the upcoming referendum, which is to decide on the separation of judges' and prosecutors' careers. The atmosphere is further heated by sharp exchanges between Conte and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, whom the opposition leader accuses of implementing a 'criminal plan' undermining judicial independence. Since the end of World War II, Italy has had over 60 governments, resulting from a highly fragmented party system and an electoral law favoring small parties with significant blocking potential.Parallel to events in Rome, media attention was directed to Pyongyang, where Kim Jong Un appeared alongside his daughter Ju-ae in identical black leather jackets during a military parade. This symbolic reference to a style associated with military authority is interpreted by experts as a clear declaration regarding succession in North Korea. Meanwhile, in Italy, parliament finally adopted the so-called Milleproroghe decree, which introduces a series of ad-hoc regulations, including extending the retirement age for doctors to 72, aimed at addressing the staffing crisis in the public health service. „La destra pensa solo a garantire se stessa, la legge elettorale è irricevibile.” (The right only thinks about securing itself, this electoral law is unacceptable.) — Elly Schlein „Questo è un attacco alla Costituzione, state realizzando un disegno di politica criminale.” (This is an attack on the Constitution, you are implementing a criminal political design.) — Giuseppe Conte