The Italian Chamber of Deputies has approved a significant reform aimed at discouraging party-switching among its members, commonly referred to as 'transformism'. Under the new regulation, which received overwhelming support with 249 votes in favor and no opposition, any deputy that changes party or parliamentary group will now only take half of the financial resources allocated to them, while the other half remains with their original party group. This marks a substantial shift in parliamentary regulations, rewriting 73 articles and addressing one of the most controversial aspects of parliamentary life in Italy.

This regulatory change is seen as a crucial step to curb a political phenomenon that has drawn considerable public disdain due to its implications for political integrity and accountability. Previously, financial support for parliamentarians was entirely transferrable to the new party, which encouraged frequent and often opportunistic switches. The reform aims to promote stability within party affiliations and to reduce the ease with which deputies change allegiance for personal or financial gain, thus addressing a concern that has persisted in Italian politics for decades.

Overall, this reform represents the most substantial change to parliamentary rules since 1997, indicating a clear legislative intent to foster a more consistent party loyalty and to enhance the credibility of political representatives. As Italy navigates its political landscape, this measure could signify a shift towards promoting accountability and discouraging self-interested behavior among politicians, ultimately aiming to strengthen the democratic process.