Parliament's justice committee Wednesday approved government's reforms that would lengthen by half the statute of limitations for corruption.
The move was opposed by MPs from the Forza Italia (FI), 5-Star Movement (M5S), and the coalition of the New Centre Right (NCD) and centrist (UDC) parties.
Earlier, Reform Minister Maria Elena Boschi said the government thought it had "identified a possible accord" with its coalition partners on reforms.
"I am very hopeful we will find an agreement," she said even though government allies in the New Center Right (NCD) had warned of their opposition to the reform bill.
Alessandro Pagano, who heads the alliance of the two parties called the Area Popolare (AP), said there are concerns such an extension would create more complications and lengthen the time before a case goes to trial.
"(Reform) is likely to bring to an end the (current) 25- to 30-year limit, this is unacceptable for a civilized country that must ensure only a reasonable delay (before trial)," said Pagano.
The Lower House judicial committee met earlier to discussed the reforms proposed by the government of Premier Matteo Renzi.
Pagano complained that the reforms were prompted by "ideology" rather than justice.
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