Parliament, how the regulation of the Chamber changes. The “correctives”
The arrival of the new year, as well as being decisive for the entry into force of some reforms, will also mark the adoption of the few and – late – changes to the House rules. In the session of last November 30, in fact, even the branch of Parliament of Palazzo Madama approved a partial reform of its regulation: one of those so-called “correctives” made necessary following the reduction in the number of parliamentarians in order to ensure the correct functioning of the chamber and its various internal bodies.
An operation, as mentioned above, latecomer and partial, accomplished “in the run” to the establishment of the new legislature. In the session of last November 15, the president Lorenzo Fontana specified that the reforms to the regulation under discussion refer to a so-called “first track” containing only the essential changes, numerical adjustments resulting from the reduction in the number of deputies. However, a “second track” of more substantial reforms is envisaged which, we read from the reports of the sessions of the junta, will take longer.
Parliament, how the regulation of the Chamber changes. All changes
The outcome of the work related to the revision of the regulation of Montecitorio is given by edit Of very few elements: to be precise, the articles subject to revision were 24 (therefore less than half) and the paragraphs 31. As already anticipated, the changes made go to modify only the numerical thresholds in those cases in which specific numbers were indicated in the regulation, while nothing changes as regards thresholds of a formal nature, i.e. cases in which an exact number is not specified but reference is made to variable quotas such as for example the “majority of those present”.
Among the most relevant changes is the reduction of the minimum number of members to form an autonomous group which goes from 20 deputies to 14, with a percentage of 3.5%. The reform of the regulation has consequently also lowered the minimum threshold of members for the training of members within the mixed group which goes from 10 to 7 deputies. The number of members of the junta for the elections then dropped from 30 to 20 and that of the junta for the authorizations to proceed from 21 to 15.
The new regulation then provides for thelowering of other numerical thresholds: for example, the number of deputies who can present the letter drops from 10 to 7 preliminary question (the request that a given topic not be discussed) or the suspensive issue (the postponement of the discussion to the achievement of certain goals), even when the discussion has already begun. The number of deputies who can request the law then drops from 20 to 14 verification of the quorum at the meeting; finally, the number of deputies required for the declaration of theurgency of a bill and so we move on to a simplified discussion process.
Chamber, when the changes to the regulation come into force
Not all the changes introduced will have the same entry into force. While most, in fact, will apply from the beginning of 2023, for the variations relating to the thresholds for the creation of new groups or members of the mixed group, we will have to wait for the start of the next legislature. The same fate also for the change in the number of members of the junta for the elections and that for the authorizations. In fact, the groups, councils, commissions and other organs of the chamber have already been formed and it was decided not to change its composition.
Parliament, the “new” regulation of the Chamber and the questions still open
In addition to this, the partial nature of the changes related to regulation from the Room it is also found in the fact that many issues remained unresolved. Among these, for example, the possibility of introducing interventions aimed at discouraging the phenomenon of you change Of group (or transformation). Still to be defined then the question of bicameral bodies where without a revision of the regulations, the less consistent groups of the chamber risk being under-represented, and the possible reduction of the members of the bureau, with reference to the figure of the secretaries.
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