Giorgia Meloni accused of splitting Italy over law to let richer regions keep taxes

Critics say differentiated autonomy bill, sought by wealthier areas, will increase poverty in south

Italy’s far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has been accused of “splitting the country” after parliament approved a controversial bill granting regions more power, which critics say will increase poverty in the south.

The reform, approved by the lower house early on Wednesday after a fiery debate that lasted all night, is part of the government’s overhaul of the Italian state, including a bill approved by the upper house on Tuesday that would allow for the direct election of a prime minister.