Italy to Cut One-Third of Parliament Members in Both Houses... Referendum Passed

The National Assembly building in Rome, Italy
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Italy has decided to reduce the number of members in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies by more than 30%. This move, aimed at parliamentary reform in response to criticisms of inefficiency and high costs, was confirmed through a national referendum.

According to Italy's ANSA news agency on the 21st (local time), the constitutional amendment to cut the number of parliamentarians was approved with 67.8% voting in favor and 32.2% against in the two-day referendum held until that day. Consequently, starting from 2023, the number of senators will be adjusted from 315 to 200, and the number of deputies from 630 to 400.

The final voter turnout was recorded at 53.8%. Local media reported that this was not low considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The reduction in the number of parliamentarians was a pledge made by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement in the Italian coalition government during the 2018 general election, promising to reform the parliamentary structure. Although the proposal passed through parliament last year, some members opposed it and filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court, which ultimately led to a referendum asking the public to vote on the constitutional amendment.

Italy has 1.56 parliamentarians per 100,000 citizens, which is higher than the OECD average of 0.97, and also exceeds Germany (0.80), France (1.48), and Spain (1.32). Compared to South Korea (0.58), it is nearly three times higher. Italy has attempted to reduce the number of parliamentarians seven times since 1983 but failed each time.

Following the decision to reduce the number of parliamentarians, subsequent work such as redistricting is expected to take place. Given the complex interests among political parties and individual members, significant difficulties are anticipated.