Senate approves new electoral law amidst protests

The Senate has approved the new electoral law, passing the text with 113 votes in favor and 71 against. This law introduces a proportional system and the return of preferential voting but also significantly increases the number of signatures required for new parties.

Immediately prior to the approval, protests were recorded from the opposition within the chamber, where senators displayed signs reading "No to the fraudulent law." The protests took place following the voting declaration by Fratelli d'Italia.

The text approved by the Senate will now return to the Chamber for a third reading. During the discussions, there was strong dissent regarding the signature requirement, with new parties highlighting an exponential increase in the number of signatures needed to run for office.

Some opposition members have raised criticisms about the fact that parties like that of Giorgia Meloni managed to obtain registration with fewer signatures. The opposition continues to denounce what they view as an unfair law.

According to the details of the text, for political formations not currently represented in Parliament, a significant number of signatures will need to be collected, while those already present will benefit from an exemption.

The passage of the provision to the Chamber represents another step in the legislative process, while parliamentary minorities continue to oppose and criticize the new measure.