Premiership OK first step, boosts democracy - Meloni

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 18 - The Senate's approval of the government's premiership reform to directly elect premiers by the people is a first step in the right direction towards stronger and more stable government and will boost democracy, Premier Giorgia Meloni said rejecting opposition claims it would strip parliament and president of key powers and lead to an authoritarian drift.
    "The premiership reform passes in the Senate," she said after the controversial plan moved to the Lower House.
    "A first step forward to strengthen democracy, give stability to our institutions, put an end to palace games and give back to citizens the right to choose by whom to be governed". (ANSA).