Schlein: "Meloni's priority is the power to go to the College"

Italy's political landscape has been thrown into turmoil over recent developments concerning the electoral reform law, known as the "Melonellum," which has sparked fierce debate among opposition parties and critics. At the heart of this controversy lies the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government seeks to push forward with changes to Italy’s voting system, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the left and even some factions within the right. The opposition argues that the primary goal behind these reforms is not democratic renewal but rather securing power—specifically, the presidency of the Republic, or the Quirinale.

The dispute reached its peak during a public gathering held at the Teatro dei Servi in Rome, where leaders from multiple opposition parties, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party, Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, and Nicola Fratoianni of the Left, joined forces to voice their concerns. They described the proposed electoral law as a dangerous attempt to consolidate power under the guise of reform. Schlein was particularly vocal, stating that Meloni’s true objective is clear: to secure the presidency of the Republic. She argued that the current electoral law is being pushed forward not to ensure stability, but to pave the way for a future presidential bid by Meloni herself. This, she claimed, is why the opposition must fight against the reform at all costs.

The opposition's arguments extend beyond mere political maneuvering. They point out that Meloni’s government has failed to deliver on several promised reforms, such as judicial reform and autonomy measures, which were rejected by millions of Italians. Furthermore, they argue that the new electoral law would allow Meloni to bypass constitutional constraints and potentially secure the presidency without needing a direct popular vote. This concern has led to calls for legal action, with Conte suggesting that the Constitutional Court should review the law for potential violations of democratic principles.

Roberto Vannacci, leader of the Future Nation party, has also voiced his discontent with Meloni’s approach. He criticized her for failing to follow through on promises made during the campaign, such as blocking naval blockades, stopping fuel taxes, and introducing real preference votes in the electoral law. Vannacci accused Meloni of wanting to lead a unified center-right alliance but refusing to listen to suggestions or amendments from other parties. He called on her to demonstrate strength by making concrete commitments on issues like the electoral preferences, arguing that doing so would help preserve the unity of the right-wing coalition.

Behind the scenes, there appears to be a strategic plan by Meloni’s government to eventually secure the presidency of the Republic. According to reports, the prime minister is considering running for president after the 2027 general elections, assuming she remains in power until February 2029 when the term of current President Sergio Mattarella expires. If successful, she could then appoint Alfredo Mantovano, the deputy head of the Council of Ministers, as the next prime minister. However, this plan faces challenges, particularly regarding the electoral law itself. If the new system is implemented, it might make it harder for the center-right to win enough seats to guarantee a majority, potentially delaying Meloni’s presidential ambitions until 2036.

This tension between Meloni and her allies highlights the internal divisions within the right-wing coalition. While Vannacci has openly challenged Meloni’s leadership, he has also emphasized that his party does not seek to destroy the right but instead to prevent it from becoming complacent. His criticisms have put pressure on Meloni to show more flexibility, especially on issues like the electoral preferences, which many see as a symbolic gesture of commitment to democratic values.

As the debate continues, the opposition is preparing for a prolonged battle both inside and outside Parliament. They are calling for mobilization efforts similar to those seen during previous referendums, urging citizens to form committees against the electoral reform. Meanwhile, legal experts are warning that the new law could face significant challenges before the Constitutional Court, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile political situation in Italy. What remains clear is that the struggle over the electoral law is far from over, and the coming months will likely determine whether Meloni can achieve her ultimate goal of securing the presidency of the Republic.