Italy's parliament approve new electoral law Monday May 04,2015

 

Italy's parliament on Monday May 04,2015 gave final approval to a new electoral law championed by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi despite furious objections from the opposition and some members of the ruling Democratic Party.

The electoral overhaul, which becomes law after more than a year of discussion in both chambers of parliament, is a central part of the Italian Prime Minister's Political and Economic Reform Agenda 

The legislation, which only takes effect in July 2016, is based on proportional representation but guarantees a big majority to the winning party and gives party bosses wide powers to handpick preferred candidates.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says it will provide political stability to Italy,which has already seen 4 different Govts since the start of the decade and end the backroom horsetrading between parties often needed to form ruling coalitions.

Opponents complain that the new law concentrates too much power in the hands of the winning party and does not allow voters to directly choose their representatives.
Opposition parties have appealed to Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, not to sign off on the bill in order to prevent it becoming law. They have also threatened to organise a popular referendum to try to have it repealed.