Majority of Italians oppose the introduction of the premierato: 53% against, survey reveals
Premiership Reform in Italy: Public Opinion and Future Challenges
A recent survey conducted by Money.it revealed that the proposed reform of the premiership in Italy is not well-received by the public.
The reform, which has gained significant attention due to Giorgia Meloni’s strong support, was approved in the Senate in a first reading with the unanimous vote of the majority, while the opposition expressed strong dissent with only one abstention.
However, for the reform to become law, it will need to pass through both chambers, with a constitutional referendum likely inevitable, as was the case in 2016.
According to the survey results – which, it is important to note, are not scientifically representative as they were not conducted on a sample basis – 53% of the nearly 2,000 respondents opposed the premiership reform in Italy.
The issue has thus proven to be highly divisive, with a potential referendum outcome that remains uncertain, potentially turning into a vote either in favor or against Giorgia Meloni, reminiscent of past referendums such as that involving Matteo Renzi.
Currently, the full implications of the premiership reform remain unclear, particularly as the accompanying electoral law is yet to be defined.
What is known is that the reform includes the direct election of the prime minister for a maximum of two terms and the controversial “anti-flip-flop” provision.
Additionally, it raises the possibility of having two separate governments – under certain conditions – within the same legislature.
Another point of contention revolves around the powers of the President of the Republic, with the opposition claiming that these would be diminished, while the majority asserts that the reform will not undermine the role of the Quirinal Palace.
Despite the lengthy road ahead for the premiership reform and numerous outstanding issues to be clarified, the survey underscores the potential for a referendum to become a significant political showdown.
Key Points of the Premiership Reform
While the reform process is still ongoing, some key aspects have emerged:
1.
Direct election of the prime minister for a maximum of two terms.
2.
Inclusion of the controversial “anti-flip-flop” provision.
3.
Possibility of establishing two distinct governments within the same legislature under specific conditions.
4.
Debate over the potential reduction of the President of the Republic’s powers.
As discussions continue and the reform evolves, it is evident that the premiership reform in Italy is a complex and contentious issue that will shape the country’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.