(In the lead sentence, the comparison to France “following the example of France” was dropped.)
ROME (dpa-AFX) – In the debate about constitutional reform in Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to give the head of government more political power. A direct election of the prime minister will ensure the stability of the government, the right-wing politician said late Tuesday evening after talks with representatives of the opposition parties. The opposition criticized a possible extension of the Prime Minister’s powers at the expense of the President. So far, this has had a great deal of influence, for example in government talks or the appointment of ministers.
While Meloni was open to other proposals from the opposition, she made it clear that she preferred her model. The aim of the reform is to make the Mediterranean country more politically stable. Since the end of World War II, Italy has had nearly 70 governments. After the talks, Meloni emphasized that it was important to her to carry out a reform with a broad consensus. The meeting was a first conversation.
The Social Democrat Elly Schlein criticized the proposal. Reform is needed, but should not be limited to having “a man or woman at the top”. According to ex-Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the Prime Minister’s powers must be strengthened, but within a “balanced framework that does not affect the parliamentary model”. In particular, the “key function” of the President as “guarantor of national cohesion” should be retained.
A two-thirds majority in both chambers of Parliament is required for any constitutional amendment in Italy. If this does not come about, each proposal must be voted on in a referendum. Several attempts have already been made to push through a constitutional reform in order to ensure more political stability. In 2016, for example, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi failed in a constitutional referendum and then resigned./rme/DP/mis