Will Italians Elect Their Prime Minister by Popular Vote? The Constitutional Reform Proposal of Giorgia Meloni’s Government

Abstract

The article examines the constitutional reform proposal introduced in 2023 by Giorgia Meloni’s government, which aims to introduce the direct election of the Prime Minister. This initiative represents a major departure from Italy’s traditional parliamentary-cabinet model, establishing a premierato system in which the head of government receives direct electoral legitimacy and a constitutionally guaranteed parliamentary majority. The analysis outlines the origins of the reform, its institutional design, and its potential consequences for Italian democracy. It also discusses the arguments of supporters – who emphasize the need for stronger executive stability, and critics, who warn against excessive concentration of power and diminished parliamentary oversight. The study places the proposal within the broader context of previous, unsuccessful attempts at constitutional reform in 2005 and 2016. Moreover, it assesses the political and procedural prospects for the reform’s adoption, particularly in light of Article 138 of the Italian Constitution and the likelihood of a confirmatory referendum. The article concludes that the premierato is the most far-reaching attempt to transform Italy’s executive since 1948, but its success ultimately depends on achieving broad public support and cross-party consensus.