The Italian Chamber of Deputies rejected on Tuesday (14), by just one vote, the amendment from the government majority itself that reintroduced the preference vote. in the new electoral lawThe final score was... 187 votes in favor and 188 against., in a secret ballot requested by the opposition.
Since Lega and Forza Italia had announced public support for the text, the numbers indicate that around 30 deputies from the base betrayed The government's guidance on the secrecy of the ballot box. The Democratic Party estimates 36 dissidents, while the Lega leader in the House, Riccardo Molinari, speaks of 31.
The amendment, presented by Fratelli d'Italia, Noi Moderati, and Udc, stipulated a ballot with seven names, a locked first candidate on the list, and gender-alternating preferences. The majority rapporteurs and the government gave a favorable opinion, which made the defeat even more heavy for the Chigi Palace.
Meloni admits lack of votes within his own base.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged that there was a lack of votes among allies and said that the episode requires internal reflection. "The swamp has won again," she stated, also criticizing the opposition's celebration in the plenary session.
Hours before the vote, Corriere della Sera reported an atmosphere of distrust within the coalition, with Lega and Forza Italia deputies prepared to overturn the text in a secret ballot, and discontent even within sectors of Fratelli d'Italia. Lega deputy Roberto Vannacci called the proposal a backroom deal that deceived voters.
Opposition calls for resignation and early elections.
After the result, opposition MPs shouted “elections, elections” in the plenary. Matteo Renzi stated that the majority no longer existed: “Meloni, go to the Quirinale immediately and resign.”
Giuseppe Conte, of the Five Star Movement, declared that the base “has withdrawn its confidence in the Prime Minister” and called for a government crisis. Elly Schlein, of the PD, said: “They have failed and it’s time for them to go home.”
Among the allies, Maurizio Lupi, of Noi Moderati, acknowledged the weight of the result. "The political value of what happened cannot be hidden," he stated, rejecting the suspension of the proceedings.
The defeat does not bring down the government, as the vote concerned an amendment, not a motion of confidence. The Chamber rejected the request to suspend the session, and the analysis of the reform continued on Tuesday night, with secret ballots scheduled.
(With information from Corriere della Sera)
