ROME: Italy’s lower house of parliament passed Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s flagship constitutional reform on Tuesday, opening the way for a referendum later this year needed to give final approval to the law.
Renzi has promised to resign if the referendum goes against him, saying the overhaul will boost political stability in Italy and end decades of revolving-door governments that have made it difficult to shake-up the country’s debt-ridden economy.
The reform effectively abolishes the Senate as an elected chamber and sharply restricts its ability to veto legislation, ending the current system that gives equal powers to both the upper and lower houses of parliament.
The law is inextricably tied to Renzi’s other main political reform—the introduction of a new, two-round voting system for the lower house. Together, they should give Italy governments that survive full, five-year terms—something that has never happened since World War Two.
“This is a historic moment for Italy,” said Renzi, speaking to reporters from Iran, where he drumming up business for Italian companies. “I am very happy because Italy used to be the least stable country in Europe. Today it is the most stable country in Europe.”
After some two years in parliament, the Chamber passed the reform by 361 to 7, with opposition parties abandoning the assembly before the final vote. Critics say the law strips away vital democratic checks and balances.
The referendum is expected in October.
(Writing by Crispian Balmer)
Reuters
