Italian populist party now positioning left with independents
Italy’s prime minister has led her coalition to a record uninterrupted term of government, surpassing Berlusconi’s postwar record. She plans a big rally in Bari as the next election looms, with supporters pointing to fiscal discipline, job creation, and a tighter migrant stance as signs of stability.
Parliament has approved a shift to a fully proportional system that awards a large bonus of seats to any party or coalition winning at least 42% of the vote. The lower house passed the law 227–164 in a secret ballot. The reform forces pre-election coalitions to name a prime ministerial candidate and programme and will reshape alliance strategy ahead of elections due by October 2027.