A civic initiative is spearheading the protest against the mass petition against ‘cespugli’ and rallying a broad coalition outside the Senate. ‘A fraudulent law, protecting the establishment’. Appeals to the Constitutional Court are ready. There are also flags from Rifondazione Comunista, whilst Francesco Boccia is there representing the PD. But the battle for the centre, ahead of the coalition primaries, is fuelling tensions. There is acrimony between IV and the Movement.

The amendment making it more difficult for new parties to collect signatures is causing a stir across the political spectrum. And Progetto Civico is spearheading the protest. Meanwhile, at the Festa dell’Unità, the leader of IV sends a signal to the centre: “IV has the signatures and we are willing to be represented by someone other than myself. A mayor to sit at the programme negotiating table.”

Following the removal of the provision to exclude votes for parties below 3 per cent, a new amendment provides for an increase in the number of signatures required. For Più Europa and Vannacci (which have members in the mixed group), the requirement remains at ‘just’ 1,500 signatures per province (i.e. almost 200,000). Meanwhile, for Onorato’s civic lists, as well as for Potere al Popolo and Rifondazione, the number of signatures rises to 9,000 per constituency. This brings the total number of signatures required to exceed that needed for a repeal referendum.

The majority closes ranks and rejects the opposition’s sub-amendment. The Prime Minister’s anger: “I reinstated them myself.”

The Senate has approved the centre-right’s amendment: a fixed lead candidate and up to three preferences with alternating genders. Earlier in the day, the government had rejected the opposition’s sub-amendment regarding unrestricted preferences.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her senators had indicated they were open to the possibility of voting in favour of the bill proposed by the Democrats and the broad coalition. Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani were opposed. Following a meeting between the parties’ negotiators, the agreement prevented the majority from collapsing

In the Senate, a vote is taking place on the amendment regarding preferential votes, but the President of the Senate is allowing the opposition to table sub-amendments, and the opposition is calling for them to be extended. The Democratic Party’s group leader said: “The Prime Minister must demonstrate consistency. Let’s remove the ‘locked’ list leaders. But will Forza Italia and the League agree?”

Changes to the electoral law have been left to the final round of negotiations before the plenary session. Meanwhile, Salvini and Tajani continue to bicker over the tax on banks’ windfall profits. And there is still no agreement on excise duties either.