Right-wing Italian government opposed collectively by diverse opposition factions in unity rally.
Left-leaning politicians, including Elly Schlein (PD), Giuseppe Conte (Five-Star Movement), Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli (Alliance VS), stood together in a rally, opposing the government's plan to amend the Constitution. Schlein asserted, "We won't let the government tinker with the Constitution."
The ruling coalition, headed by far-right Minister President Giorgia Meloni, comprises her party Fratelli d'Italia, the conservative Forza Italia, and the extremist Lega. Meloni's ambition is to allow the people to elect their future Prime Minister or Prime Ministeress through direct voting, claiming it's for the "strengthening of democracy." Opposition parties view this move as an attempt by Meloni to solidify her powerbase.
With the second reform, regions stand to gain more autonomy, potentially deciding on issues such as education and environmental protection independently. Critics argue that this could worsen the economic disparity between the country's North and South. The third reform, according to opponents, could weaken the independence of the judiciary.
Despite Meloni's plans, these sweeping reforms are yet to gain significant traction. The main hurdle for the ruling coalition lies in not having the required two-thirds majority to implement these changes.
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- The Italian opposition, including PD's Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte from the Five-Star Movement, is vehemently opposed to the government's intent to carry out constitutional reforms.
- At the unity rally in Rome, Schlein from MoVimento 5 Stelle positioned herself against the PD leader's partner in the Government, Giorgia Meloni, who aims to introduce constitutional reforms.
- Elly Schlein and the opposition parties in Rome argue that Meloni's constitutional reform, which includes direct election of the Prime Minister, is a power grab attempt, as it could potentially exacerbate existing political divisions in Italy.
- The constitutional reform proposal, spearheaded by Giuseppe Conte's government, faces strong opposition from the left-leaning MoVimento 5 Stelle and PD, among other Italian political parties.
- Critics, such as Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte, believe that the attempts of the current Government, led by Giorgia Meloni, to push for constitutional reforms could further divide the Italian population, creating a rift between the North and the South.