Dal taglio dei parlamentari alla riforma del premierato. Il Senato delle Regioni quale argine alla verticalizzazione decisionale per rivitalizzare la democrazia rappresentativa

This paper examines the ongoing process of constitutional reform in Italy, focusing on the proposed introduction of a directly elected Prime Minister. This reform represents the culmination of a long-standing trend towards the verticalization of power, a process that has been exacerbated by the crisis of political parties and the increasing centralization of decision making authority in the hands of the executive. The study highlights the risks associated with this shift, including the erosion of parliamentary representation and the weakening of the system of checks and balances, which could lead to a plebiscitary democracy. As an alternative, the article proposes a reform of the italian bicameral system through the establishment of a Senate of the Regions. This institution would strengthen representative democracy by integrating regional representation at the national legislative level. Drawing inspiration from the german Bundesrat, this institution would ensure a more balanced distribution of power between the central government and regional entities, preventing the further decline of parliamentary democracy and fostering a more pluralistic and representative institutional structure. The paper concludes by advocating for constitutional reforms that embrace the complexity of modern democracy rather than attempting to simplify governance through power centralization. It argues that a Senate of the Regions could offer an opportunity to address structural political challenges, enhance regional representation, and reinforce the parliamentary system against excessive executive dominance.