The debate on reforms shows a new relationship between Mattarella and Meloni

Divided opposition, changing premier, majority tripping. The debate on institutional reforms reveals the new relationships in politics. With one case above all: the unexpected shield offered by the prime minister to the head of state

Form and substance. The flying consultations fielded by Giorgia Meloni on the delicate terrain of institutional reforms are there to show us two issues that deserve to be explored. The first issue, obviously, concerns the substance of the debate. The positions that have emerged in recent days are still vague, messy and sometimes elusive. But a starting point exists and it is worth highlighting it. The point is this: Meloni has chosen to renounce the banner of presidentialism and has found an element of convergence with some opposition parties around a form of premiership still to be defined. A form that can be summarized in six points. The premier, clearly, is the one who won the elections. Once chosen, the premier immediately presents himself to the Chambers to illustrate his program (with or without a vote of confidence, a point to be agreed). Furthermore, the prime minister chooses the ministers without negotiating them with the president of the republic. The premier, at any time, can revoke the ministers. Naturally, the prime minister can be disheartened, and in this case he can review the program and the ministerial structure, but he and only he, without negotiation with the president of the republic, has the power to dissolve the chambers. Finally, the premier, on some occasions to be studied, to take a step away from the current perfect bicameralism, has the duty to gather the majority by summoning both houses of Parliament.