September high-risk for election law, Senate vote crosses the Legislature's countdown

September poses a high risk for electoral law reform, with Senate voting intersecting with internal League reckoning. The legislative calendar in Palazzo Madama overlaps with the crisis within the League, beginning on September 2 with the examination of amendments, followed by the “pre-Pontida” meeting on August 8 and 9, serving as a precursor to the internal reckoning. Francesco Lollobrigida, during the Rimini Meeting, attempted to shield the government from a potentially dangerous September, predicting that the discussion on electoral law will surpass other issues. He emphasized that electoral laws are meant to allow citizens to choose who should govern and ensure long-term stability. The minister of Agriculture assured that the focus remains on enabling voters to select their leaders and maintaining political stability over time. However, he acknowledged that the Senate will decide on necessary corrections. The situation becomes more delicate at Palazzo Madama upon returning from summer holidays. It is not only because of the precedent set in the Chamber of Deputies, where an amendment supported by the center-right was narrowly defeated on July 14 by one vote, 188 against, 187 for, that raises concerns. Complicating matters further is the alignment of the legislative schedule with the internal reckoning within the League, risking the concentration of frustration over the “Stabilicum,” which has been building up since the summer. The first key date is set for September 1 at noon, the deadline for submitting amendments both in committee and in the chamber. In the afternoon, replies from the rapporteur and the government are scheduled. From September 2 to 4, with possible extensions into Saturday, the Constitutional Affairs Committee is expected to begin detailed discussions and voting on proposed modifications. This legislative calendar intersects with the internal schedule of the League. On August 8 and 9 at the Officine Farneto in Rome, an event already dubbed “pre-Pontida” is planned, aiming to mend the rift between Matteo Salvini and the Northern faction. On September 9, while the League faces its internal divisions, the Senate will begin examining the electoral law. The process continues on September 11 and 14, with final statements and voting scheduled for September 15 at 10 a.m., as determined by the Conference of Group Leaders before the summer break. Five days later comes Pontida. This was the deadline set by Romeo, alongside Attilio Fontana, for finding a solution to the internal crisis. “The League cannot go this way,” Romeo stated at the Versiliana event, re-launching the idea of a more collaborative management of the party. “We have made the proposal to Salvini; we are waiting for him to take notice.” He requested that a resolution arrive before the gathering on the grassy field. Meanwhile, Pontida is officially called by the League for Sunday, September 20. Three League members from the North play a critical role in the decisive phase. During the first week of September, the two major issues could converge. In the Constitutional Affairs Committee, where amendments will be voted on, the League has three representatives: Vice President Paolo To.