The Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Senate has expressed a favorable vote on the government’s amendment to Article 3 of the Premierate bill. This amendment relates to the heart of the reform, which is the direct election of the Prime Minister and introduces a limit of two consecutive mandates, each lasting 5 years, with an exception for a third mandate in case the Prime Minister has not held office for a period longer than seven years and six months in previous legislatures. Additionally, the amendment eliminates the 55% threshold as a majority bonus. The constitutional bill was signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister Elisabetta Casellati for the direct election of the Prime Minister. The act is titled: “Amendments to Articles 59, 88, 92 and 94 of the Constitution for the direct election of the Prime Minister, strengthening government stability, and abolishing the appointment of life senators by the President of the Republic.”
The reform of the premierate involves significant changes, including the direct election of the Prime Minister, who will serve for 5 years with a limit of two consecutive terms. There will be a constitutionalized bonus, at the national level, ensuring a majority of seats in both chambers for the lists and candidates associated with the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic will have the power to dissolve the Chambers if the elected Prime Minister fails to gain parliamentary confidence or if the confidence in the Prime Minister is revoked through a motivated motion. In cases of the Prime Minister’s resignation, the task of forming a government can be given to a different parliamentarian who was a candidate in connection with the same programmatic commitments and political direction.
The amendment also includes the provision for a third consecutive mandate for the Prime Minister if they have not held office for a period longer than seven years and six months in previous legislatures. This exception allows for continuity in leadership if deemed necessary. Additionally, the removal of the 55% threshold as a majority bonus aims to ensure a fairer electoral system and prevent any one party from gaining disproportionate power. The direct election of the Prime Minister, along with these other changes, is intended to strengthen government stability and eliminate the President of the Republic’s appointment of life senators.
Overall, the reform seeks to streamline the election process of the Prime Minister, promote stability in government, and enhance democratic representation. The direct election of the Prime Minister, with the possibility of serving two consecutive terms, aims to provide continuity in leadership while preventing any one individual from holding power for an extended period. The constitutionalized bonus and the President of the Republic’s authority to dissolve the Chambers in certain circumstances are designed to ensure that the government remains effective and accountable to Parliament. These changes represent a significant step towards modernizing Italy’s political system and adapting it to current challenges and demands.
