Early Italian elections looming after parties strike deal

Italy's four major parties represented within the Constitutional Affairs Committee agreed on the 5 June 2017 on a new electoral law for the country, which would introduce a rule meaning that only parties receiving more than 5% of the vote would be represented in parliament.

The legislative proposal was to be debated in the Italian parliament. If adopted in July 2017 commentators suggested that the spring 2018 planned election might be brought forward to the autumn of 2017.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Matteo Renzi wins leadership contest in the Democratic Party http://www.europeansources.info/record/matteo-renzi-wins-leadership-contest-in-the-democratic-party/

EurActiv, 23.01.17: Italy reviews new electoral law as old problems pile up http://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/italy-reviews-new-electoral-law-as-old-problems-pile-up/

The Local.it, 02.06.17: The small political parties that risk obliteration under Italy's new electoral law https://www.thelocal.it/20170602/the-small-political-parties-at-risk-under-italys-new-electoral-law

The Local.it, 18.05.17: Italy’s political system: Key things to know https://www.thelocal.it/20170518/italys-political-system-key-things-to-know

Politico, 06.06.17: Italian parliament sets early election in motion http://www.politico.eu/article/italian-parliament-sets-early-election-in-motion/

The Local.it, 27.04.17: Italian president asks parliament to approve new electoral law 'urgently' https://www.thelocal.it/20170427/italian-president-calls-for-italy-to-approve-new-electoral-law-urgently

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