\n\n
The lower house approved a sweeping electoral law reform, passing it 227‑164 despite the risk of Constitutional Court challenges. This move formally kicks off Italy’s election campaign, raising the prospect of an early vote.
At the same time, the government let the diesel tax cut lapse and has not introduced the promised replacement scheme, leaving fuel prices to climb as EU leaders convene on 15‑16 October to discuss varied national approaches to easing energy costs.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has written to the European Commission asking for a temporary loosening of EU fiscal rules, arguing that soaring energy prices and rising inflation are putting pressure on households and businesses.
Why it matters: the electoral reform could reshape Italy’s political landscape, while the loss of diesel relief pushes up transport costs and fuels public discontent. The request for fiscal flexibility highlights the government’s struggle to balance budget discipline with the need to protect citizens from a cost‑of‑living squeeze.
What to watch next: potential Constitutional Court rulings on the new electoral law, any new EU agreement on fiscal leeway, and whether the government will introduce alternative measures to curb fuel prices before the autumn election campaign gains momentum. [[1]]