“Datemi una leva …”. Premierato elettivo e dinamiche politiche

The essay examines the bill on the direct election of the Italian Prime Minister. This reform is analysed in the context of the transformations of the Italian political system and in comparative perspective. Its internal inconsistencies (in terms of constitutional balances and accountability) and especially its external inconsistencies (party decline, polarization, political culture) are highlighted. The article argues that strengthening the executive should take place within the framework of a rationalized parliamentary regime rather than following the risky path, for the quality of democracy, of charismatic leadership.