Referendum reform: the heated debate between Forza Italia and the 5 Star Movement in the Senate

The political climate in Italy is heating up. Two bills, one from Forza Italia and the other from the 5 Star Movement, are about to face off in the Senate to reform Article 75 of the Constitution on referendums. Added to these is a third bill presented to the Chamber by Noi Moderati. The differences between these initiatives are marked and reflect the tensions in a country in search of a new democratic balance.

Proposals for comparison

The proposal by Forza Italia, signed by Senator Maurizio Gasparri and the Honorable Adriano Paroli, aims to double the number of signatures needed to start a referendum, going from 500,000 to 1,000,000. Not only that, it would also require the consent of ten regional councils, instead of five. A measure that, according to the proponents, would serve to limit the "excessive" number of referendum questions, considered not very credible by the population.

In parallel, the proposal of Noi Moderati aligns with the intent of Forza Italia, maintaining the number of ten regional councils, but also requires 2% of those entitled to vote, or about one million voters. On the other hand, Alessandra Maiorino of the M5s proposes to reduce the quorum for abrogative referendums from a majority to a third of those entitled to vote. An attempt to make the referendum process more accessible and less elitist.

The arguments at play

Gasparri did not mince his words: "The negative outcome of the consultation of June 8 and 9 demonstrated the public's disaffection towards referendums". His proposal presents itself as an attempt to restore credibility and substance to an instrument that, in his opinion, has lost its original value. The belief is that a smaller number of questions, but more significant, can reinvigorate the interest of voters.

On the other hand, Maiorino counters that the current quorum is unattainable, arguing that the low turnout is not a problem of merit, but of participation. “We cannot ignore the requests of millions of citizens who ask to make their voices heard,” he says. A point of view that finds support among many voters, as demonstrated by the results of a recent survey: 60% of those interviewed said they were in favor of lowering the quorum.

Reactions and future prospects

The controversy was not long in coming. Gasparri described as “deplorable” the exultation of the detractors when the quorum was not reached, while the Minister of Reforms, Calderoli, expressed his doubts about the use of electronic signatures for popular consultations. Calderoli's position is clear: “The digital collection of signatures? Let's repeal it. Democracy is at stake”.

In response, the secretary of Più Europa, Riccardo Magi, announced his intention to present a proposal that will not only address the quorum, but also the criteria for admissibility of questions by the Constitutional Court. On the public opinion front, the committee “Basta Quorum!” has already collected 50,000 signatures in 24 hours to ask for the abolition of the quorum, a sign of growing discontent.

The debate is heated, and positions are far apart. What will become of the future of referendums in Italy? Will the reforms be able to satisfy citizens' requests for participation? The coming weeks will be crucial to define the fate of this instrument of direct democracy.