(Bloomberg) -- Lawmakers in Italy's Lower House approved amendments to overhaul the justice system, a big win for Prime Minister Mario Draghi that paves the way for the Senate to take up final approval in September.
The two votes passed overwhelmingly -- the first 462-55 and the second 458-46 -- underscoring the support Draghi enjoys in parliament.
The amendments will introduce stricter statutes of limitations and steamline trial proceedings.
Read More: Draghi Has Stabilized Italy. His Next Task Will Shape His Legacy
Draghi has made the reforms a priority in an effort to speed up Italy's sluggish court system, enact stricter statutes of limitation for criminal prosecutions, simpler civil proceedings and change the way trials against state institutions are run.
The vote took place on a pivotal day for Italian politics, Aug. 3, which marks the start of the so-called ‘white semester,' the last six months of President Sergio Mattarella's mandate. During that period, parliament can't be dissolved, and with a snap election off the table, parties have an incentive to act more freely against the government.
Political outcry has been building on several issues including the sale of Banca Monte dei Paschi SpA and the use of green certificates for leisure activities and travel, which Draghi is expected to extend later this week.
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